Ocala Gazette | May 5 - May 11, 2023 by Magnolia Media Company

Salvation Army needs volunteers MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive set for May 13

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 18

Pg B3

Hot off the presses!

With Greg Thompson in charge of a crack cast and team, OCT’s ‘Newsies’ is sure to make headlines. Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

The annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ food donation campaign will help people in Ocala/Marion County. Cast member during a dress rehearsal of Newsies at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala on Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Empty shelves for food are shown in a food distribution area at the Interfaith Emergency Services Reuben Brawner Food Distribution Center in Ocala on Monday, May 1, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamedico.com

t’s time again for the annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which will take place nationwide on May 13. Local donations will stay in Marion County to help individuals and families. Tim Legge, a retired mail carrier, heads up the drive locally, along with Karla Greenway, executive director of Interfaith Emergency Services (IES). This year’s food drive will be the 31st for Ocala/Marion County. “Yes, this old retired guy is hanging in there and volunteering on behalf of the union,” Legge said. “The need is great. Just last week I was at the Interfaith warehouse and talked with a young woman who had a young son. They had spent the night at a hotel and didn’t know where they were going to be that night.” Legge said that this year plastic bags for the local drive were sponsored by the Accent Insurance Group. “We will have 125,000 bags going out just before the drive. It really helps when we are able to provide those. We are grateful to Accent. It’s great to have a partner like that,” Legge said. “We’ll also be sending out postcards as a reminder of how people can help.” On May 13, donors can put donations of food into their mailbox, or place the items very close by, for pickup by a mail carrier. Donations also may be made in the lobbies of post office branches leading up to May 13. IES, which was formed in 1983, helps approximately 30,000 people annually. Clients range from those who may be experiencing homelessness, to senior citizens and veterans, and people with disabilities or who See Food, page A2

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

ith all the entertainment that’s fit to print, “Newsies” opens this weekend at Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT) and is sure to be a smash hit. OCT’s season finale brings the theater well into the 21st century with the requisite wow factor to get savvy theatergoers to come back next season.

Stylish aesthetics meets detailed stage tech, and timeless relevance, altogether exceeding our expectations. And if you haven’t heard, the theater’s stage now sports a ceiling-tall high-tech screen projection used to create vivid and super-realistic backdrops. Closeup montages of front pages recall a trope of old Hollywood movies fading into a street scene that will make you feel transported to the late 1800s. The projections, along with movable scaffolding, a replication of

an iron gate, a crystal chandelier and other trappings show off Tyler Stentiford’s flair for scenic design. Both the production team and this crack cast of young folks are newsworthy. Three choreographers contributed their razzledazzle and gymnastic flair to shepherding the dance numbers: Maycee Dominguez, profiled last year in the “Gazette,” along with Brooke Loftis and Debbie McCreight, lent their talents, and the kids come See Newsies, page A2

The Florida connection behind Kentucky Derby favorite Forte’s success By Michael Compton Correspondent

s the countdown to Saturday’s 149th Kentucky Derby (G1) intensifies, all eyes are on the early favorite Forte, last year’s 2-Year-Old Eclipse Champion and winner of this year’s Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park. While he was bred and sold in Kentucky, Forte received his early training foundation in Ocala at the O’Farrell family’s legendary Ocala Stud Farm. Owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, and trained by Todd Pletcher, a two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer who has family in Ocala, Forte was one of 165 youngsters that Ocala Stud broke and trained last year. According to David O’Farrell, Forte, who is the morning-line favorite at odds of 3-1, was a standout from

the very start. “He was extremely forward,” O’Farrell said. “When we got our group of yearlings in, he was one that was identified early on as being athletic and very forward, and he just progressed from there. He was the first 2-year-old to ship off the farm to go to the races. He was breezing a half-mile in March of his 2-year-old year. He was so forward, just blowing away everything else. He stuck out like a sore thumb early. “Forte was very eager to train,” O’Farrell continued. “He never had a bad day, always full of energy, but always well within himself. We never anticipated that he would go on to become a Derby favorite, or even a great 3-year-old. We thought he was going to be a really good 2-year-old. You hope that they can continue on, but he was always very professional. You never really know, but he gave

us every indication he could a good one.” Good horses come from anywhere, as Forte’s success suggests. Acquired by his owners for the relatively modest sum of $110,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale, Forte, according to O’Farrell, was one of 43 yearlings bought by the partnership that year,

spending just over $16 million. With any luck on the First Saturday in May, Ocala Stud can add to its illustrious history. With a trio of notable Kentucky Derby wins by training graduates Street Sense in 2007, Florida-bred Unbridled in 1990, and Florida-bred Carry Back in 1961, Forte is in a prime See Derby, page A2

David, Michael and Joe O’Farrell, left to right, pose for a photo on the track at Ocala Stud Farm in Ocala on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

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Food drive Continued from page A1

Photos By Bruce Ackerman

are just struggling to make ends meet. Clients are referred by word of mouth and entities such as houses of worship and public services agencies. IES provides basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medications and hygiene items. IES partners with a number of local organizations to make the food collected during the drive available across the county. “The increased cost of groceries and rent is bringing many new people to our door who have never needed our help before,” Greenway said. “The majority of donations will stay in the Interfaith pantry to help us get through the summer months—in summer, we have an increase due to children being home and not having the benefit of school lunches. We will share with our satellite and partner pantries as supply allows.” Greenway said the most needed items are staples such as peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, soup, rice, pasta and sauce, and other basics. On the day of the drive, volunteers recruited by IES will fan out in vehicles around the county to help collect the donations as they are brought in by the mail carriers. When the vehicles arrive back at the IES warehouse near downtown Ocala, more volunteers sort the food donations for distribution to those who need them most.

To learn more, go to Fb.com/ STAMPOUTHUNGEROCALAFL

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“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Steve Clem, the food distribution manager, Karla Greenway, the CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services and Maxi Rodriguez, the assistant warehouse manager, left to right, look over a handful of boxes of ice cream in a nearly empty freezer that is normally filled with food at the Interfaith Emergency Services Reuben Brawner Food Distribution Center in Ocala on Monday, May 1, 2023.

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Derby Continued from page A1 position to add to the farm’s storied history. “I love his post position draw (No. 15), I love the fact that he drew toward the outside,” O’Farrell noted. “He is a horse that doesn’t like to be pinned up inside. I think if he can save ground and get to the outside in the stretch, and if he gets clear sailing, he will be very dangerous. He just needs daylight, and he will be tough to beat.” Forte, who is perfect in two starts this season after winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park in March and the Florida Derby in April, is a son of Kentucky stallion Violence out of the Blame mare Queen Caroline. “I also love the fact that he is out of a Blame mare,” O’Farrell said. “Blame will him get the distance. Blame had an affinity for the Churchill strip, so hopefully, that comes through on Saturday. I wouldn’t trade places with anybody. I think he has a heck of a chance. He is a Grade 1 winner in New York, Kentucky, and Florida. He is tried and true. If he gets the trip, hopefully, he gets the job done.” On the other end of the price

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spectrum is another leading Derby contender with ties to Central Florida. Tapit Trice, winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs and the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland, was purchased by Florida-based Mandy Pope for $1.3 million at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale. Pope races under the banner of her Whisper Hill Farm, a 400-acre operation just north of Ocala near Citra, where Tapit Trice did his early training. Campaigned by Whisper Hill in partnership with the colt’s breeder, Gainesway Farm, Tapit Trice, a flashy gray son of Tapit, has done little wrong in his racing career, winning four of five lifetime starts for Pletcher. Tapit Trice is listed at 5-1 odds on the morning line, and he will start from post position No. 5. Some additional horses with ties to Ocala include OBS graduate and Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Practical Move. That son of Practical Joke was trained and sold by Eisaman Equine at last year’s OBS Spring Sale for $230,000 to Pierre and Leslie Amestoy and Roger Beasley. Practical Move is trained in Southern California by Tim Yakteen and he will break from post position No. 10; he is listed at odds of 10-1.

Eisaman Equine also offered Derby contender Raise Cain at last year’s OBS June , where the son of Violence was not sold and left the ring on a final bid of $65,000. Raise Cain, who is trained by Ben Colebrook, captured the Gotham Stakes (G3) in New York in March and most recently finished fifth in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland behind Tapit Trice. Raise Cain drew post position No. 16 and is listed at odds of 50-1. Skinner was trained and sold by de Meric Sales at last year’s OBS Spring Sale, where he was purchased by Mayberry Farm for a client for $510,000. Mayberry Farm trained last year’s upset Derby winner Rich Strike. Skinner was bought as a yearling the year before for $40,000 by Tami Bobo’s First Finds at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The son of Curlin is trained by John Shirreffs, who won the Kentucky Derby in 2005 with Giacomo. Skinner is listed at odds of 20-1 and will break from post position No. 9.

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David, Joe and Michael O’Farrell, left to right, pose for a photo by their Victory Bell Thoroughbreds and their exercise riders come back on the track from their from the USS Kentucky at Ocala Stud Farm in Ocala on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. workouts.

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR LEADERSHIPMCPS

arion County Public Schools is accepting applications for Class II of the LeadershipMCPS district program. Eight monthly sessions will be held at different school facilities each month, starting in August, and cover topics including the concepts

of how we teach and how students learn, School Choice, creating and supporting a safe and positive learning and working environment, Exceptional Student Education, transporting and feeding tens of thousands of students daily, and how business partners and volunteers

help meet critical needs throughout the district. To apply, complete the application at marionschools.net/ Page/93329 by June 12. A onetime enrollment fee of $300 covers expenses including breakfast and lunch during session dates.

The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette.com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission. • Letters to the editor: 200 words or less. • Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available. • Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions. • News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Newsies Continued from page A1 through with somersaults, handstands, pliés and other stylish feats. Watching “Newsies,” we saw director/ OCT Artistic Director Greg Thompson in his element, revealing his knack for leading large-scale productions. It’s not easy to wrangle such a large cast and bevy of techs and designers. From the realistic costumes of Roe Agnese and Erin Sylvester to a live orchestra led by music director/ keyboardist/conductor Jason Bartosic to the lighting and sound effects of David Castaneda and Jazmine Whipple to the gut-punching monologues and solo numbers of leads Christian Gonzelez, Megan Wager and Janik Buranosky, “Newsies” is a bold leap for OCT. The dialogue is well-paced, and the musical numbers are rousing and energetic. And if you’re not one for musicals, you’ll make an exception with the infectious, anthemic tunes in “Newsies.” It’s as if “Rent” had big, harmonic, showstopping numbers like “Seasons of Love” all through the show. The play gets its inspiration from Disney’s 1992 musical film, “Newsies,” which was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. The rollicking musical is set in New York City, and, like the real event, during the summer of 1899. Jack Kelly (Gonzales) and his posse of newspaper boys, called “newsies,” eke out a living selling newspapers on the city streets. Crutchie (Caleb Lombardo), nicknamed for his “bum leg,” along with Davey (Buranosky) and Davey’s younger brother Les (Liam Ortiz), enlist the rest of the ragtag bunch: Albert (Josiah Santiago), Buttons (Caleb Vang), Finch (Holly Valdez), Henry (Valynn Flaherty), Ike (Makena Henley), Jo Jo

(Peighton Labagh), Mush (McKenzie Gradler), Race (Jonathan Leppert), Romeo (Ethan Buss), Specs (Tyler Ruiz), Splasher (Isabelle Gradler), and Tommy Boy (Janea King) to protest the Joseph Pulitzer (James R. Taylor III)’s price hike. Newspaper upstart Katherine Plumber (Wager) gets wooed by Jack’s surprising artistic flair and romantic charms as she endeavors to elevate herself from the society page to the front page with a breaking story about the newsies’ strike. Meanwhile, back at the paper, in editor Seitz (Joan Elizabeth McDonald); his bookkeeper, Bunsen (Cheyenne Dever); his secretary, Hannah (Emily McCall); and his personal barber, Nunzio (Gregg Bleam), we see another world more distant and removed from New York’s street poverty than Pulitzer’s nine-story window. Saloon singer Medda Larkin (Alexis Brinay Medina), who graces the stage with an assured and powerful vocal performance, runs a show with the Bowery Beauties (Emily McCall and Anna Ramage), and offers her theater as a safe haven for Jack and his pals. With local journalism becoming rarer and rarer these days due to corporate takeovers and TV media outlets harping on one headline for a week, we can all relate to how important it is to have a journalistic watchdog in our corner, a source for news that isn’t in a company’s or politician’s back pocket. We also can all relate to the greed that fuels labor injustices, which can be swept under the rug without the freedom of speech and the right to demonstrate. These are all timeless issues, problems that multiply in the absence of vigilance, and reasons that the “Newsies” tale continues to resonate.

“Newsies” runs May 4-21 at the Ocala Civic Theatre. There will be 15 performances: 7:30 on Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. For tickets and more information, visit ocalacivictheatre.com.

M lo g, ro in d U s K ifie le rt ar Ce Ch oard

CF APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART EARNS AAM REACCREDITATION

Dr. King provides comprehensive and exceptional urology services here in the local Ocala area. He is board certified and has over 30 years of experience in male and female urology. st gi

he Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is one of 40 institutions to be awarded reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. Initially awarded to the Appleton in 2013, accreditation is held by just 1,103 of the more than 33,000 museums in the United States. “This recognition places the College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art among approximately 3% of the country’s museums,” said CF President Jim Henningsen in the news release. “Our museum underwent a rigorous peer review and was awarded a status shared with the Smithsonian. We’re proud to serve as an education and cultural arts hub for our community.”

File photo: The courtyard is shown at the Appleton Museum of Art on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

“Thanks to CF’s leadership and support, the Appleton team delivered outstanding professional best practices and services when welcoming visitors to our one-of-a-kind iconic building to enjoy world-class collections and exhibitions in person,” said Museum Director Jason Steuber in the release. “National recognition of the Appleton team’s hard work reaffirms the museum as an exceptional arts center and an unrivaled state educational resource for CF students and staff, north central Florida residents and the entire Sunshine State.” Museums must undergo a reaccreditation review every 10 years to maintain accreditation status.

OCALA PROFESSIONAL EARNS ACCREDITATION IN PUBLIC RELATIONS

everly Brown, director of career and student services at Taylor College in Belleview has received accreditation in the field of public relations (APR) from the Universal Accreditation Board, a consortium of nine professional communication organizations. Brown became a member of the Ocala chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association in 2018. In 2021, she served as membership director and currently is board treasurer. In 2022, she received

the Toni James, APR, CPRC, PACEsetter of the Year award and a judge’s award for social media in the digital tools of public relations division for the Taylor College Facebook engagement plan at the MidFlorida Image Awards competition. She is the author of the book, “God Speaks,” a true story based on the loss of her only child, and is a contributing author for “Journeys With Christ,” an online daily devotional.

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MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for MARION county, FLORIDA DENNIS M. ROSATTO,individually Plaintiff, v.

CASE NO. 2023CA000144

DOUGLAS FORNESS individually; UNKNOWN TENANT 1, Individually; and UNKNOWN TENANT 2, Individually, Defendants. / TO: DOUGLAS FORNESS whose last known address is 820 Waikiki Dr, Merrit Island, FL 32953;and who is evading service of process and the unknown defendants who may be spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, and all parties claiming an interest by, through, under or against the Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead or alive, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the mortgage being foreclosed herein. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE on the following property in Marion County, Florida: The South 80 feet of the North 759.67 feet of the East 112.5 feet of the West 1372.50 feet of the South 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, Section 35, Township 14 South, Range 24 East. Being Lot# 295 of an unrecorded subdivision. And The South 80 feet of the North 759.67 feet of the East 112.5 feet of the West 1260.00 feet of the North 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4, Section 35, Township 14 South, Range 24 East. Being Lot# 244 of an unrecorded subdivision. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, on BRICE S. SHRADER II, ESQ., Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 1085 W. Morse Blvd, Ste 210, Winter Park, FL 32789, no later than 30 days from the date of the first publication of this Notice of Action and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter, otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition filed herein. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court at Marion County, Florida this 28th day of April, 2023. GERGORY C. HARRELL CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT BY: N Hernandez DEPUTY CLERK PUBLISH IN: OCALA GAZETTE THIS NOTICE SHALL BE PUBLISHED ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. May 5, 2023 and May 12, 2023 If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at the office of the Trial Court Administrator, Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, Telephone (352) 401-6710, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

Public Notice RESOLUTION NO. 23 - R - 12 5 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA; INCORPORATING RECITALS; PROVIDING A FINDING THATCHAPTER 336, FLORIDA STATUTES, AUTHORIZES AND EMPOWERS THE BOARD TO ACT ON THE PETITION TO VACATE, ABANDON, DISCONTINUE AND CLOSE A CERTAIN ROAD(S) AND TO RENOUNCE AND DISCLAIM ANY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MARION COUNTY AND THE PUBLIC IN AND TO ANY LAND IN CONNECTION WITH SAID CERTAIN ROAD(S); PROVIDING A FINDING THAT SAID CERTAIN ROAD(S) IS NOT A PORTION OF FEDERAL OR STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM; PROVIDING A FINDING THAT THE ROAD(S) IS NOT BEING USED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS A ROAD(S); PROVIDING A FINDING THAT IT IS NOT THE INTENT OF THE BOARD TO VACATE ANY EASEMENTS FOR PUBLIC UTILITIES THAT MAY EXIST WITHIN SAID CERTAIN ROAD(S); PROVIDING A FINDING THAT VACATING, ABANDONING, DISCONTINUING, AND CLOSING SAID CERTAIN ROAD(S) AND DISCLAIMING ANY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MARION COUNTY AND THE PUBLIC IN AND TO ANY LAND IN CONNECTION WITH SAID CERTAIN ROAD(S) WOULD BENEFIT THE GENERAL PUBLIC WELFARE AND WOULD BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC;

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

File No. 23CP00851AX

MARY ANN LECAIN

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ALTMAN, Deceased. Case No.: 2023-966-CP

Division:

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Mary Ann Lecain, deceased, whose date of death was September 26, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is April 28, 2023. Attorney for Personal Representative: Georgiana F. Dambra Attorney Florida Bar Number: 708550 Law Office of Georgiana F. Dambra, P.A. 5737 Okeechobee Blvd., Ste 201 West Palm Beach, Florida 33417 Telephone: (561) 471-5708 Fax: (561) 471-7287 E-Mail: georgiana@dambralaw.com Secondary E-Mail: leah@dambralaw. com

The administration of the estate of SAM ALTMAN, deceased, whose date of death was April 4, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 Northwest First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent, and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

Personal Representative: Lynn Ann Curran 15 Ashley Circle Commack, New York 11725

VACATING, ABANDONING, DISCONTINUING, AND CLOSING SAID CERTAIN ROAD(S); RENOUNCING AND DISCLAIMING ANY RIGHTS

The date of the first publication of this Notice is May 5, 2023. Personal Representative: Judith Leventhal 4501 Price Court Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Attorney for Personal Representative: Janet W. Behnke, P.A. Florida Bar No. 135969 P.O. Box 1237 Ocala, FL 34478 500 NE 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Phone No.: 352-732-6464 Facsimile: 352-8767-5111 janet@behnkelaw.net tammy@behnkelaw.net

Public Notice

AND OBLIGATIONS OF MARION COUNTY AND THE PUBLIC IN AND TO ANY LAND IN CONNECTION WITH SAID CERTAIN ROAD(S); PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CONFLICTING RESOLUTIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN ALACHUA COUNTY FL CASE No. 2012-DR-4561 Gurpreet Sidhu Petitioner, and Puneet Thind, Respondent NOTICE OF ACTION FOR Supplimental Petition to modify TO- Puneet Thind, 4628 NE 60Ter, Silver Springs FL 34488 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for modification of child custody has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Gurpreet Sidhu whose address is 4628 NE 60 ter Silver springs FL 34488 on or before 05/17/2023 and file the original with the clerk of court. If you fail to do so, a default maybe entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all the court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the clerk of the circuit court's office. You must keep Clerk of circuit court's office notified of current address(you may file designation of current mailing or email address. Future paper in this lawsuit will be mailed or emailed to the addresses on record at clerks office. Warning: Rule 12.285, FL Family law rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated - April 11, 2023 J.K. "Jess" Irby, Esq. Clerk of court By:/s/ Deputy Clerk 8652585

CLERK OF COURT AND COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE OFFERS ONLINE APPOINTMENTS

he Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office now offers the option to schedule appointments online for marriage license applications, marriage ceremonies, new U.S. passport applications and passport photography services. Marriage license and passport services are available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Marion County Clerk of Court Annex Building, 19 N Pine Ave., Room 126. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit marioncountyclerk.org or call (352) 671-5588.

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MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala seeks to enhance animal control services it receives from Marion County By Lauren Morrish Correspondent

he Ocala City Council has come to a consensus on continuing to receive animal control services from Marion County under a revised interlocal agreement that includes enhanced services for city residents. Last year, the county informed the city that the 2009 interlocal agreement that originally transferred animal control services to Marion County needed to be renegotiated due to rising costs of the county department’s operations, particularly as it related to operating a no-kill shelter. In order to address concerns that the county department was not responding to resident calls on a timely basis, the county has agreed to allocate two animal control officers exclusively to handle service calls within the city limits at an additional cost to the city. The council unanimously approved the proposed contract changes during its April 18 meeting. The modified agreement now goes to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, which is expected to review the terms in the coming weeks. The city will compensate the county for the services annually for a sum that equals 10% of the county’s budget for “Animal Control Services,” as well as the cost of the two animal control officers and their vehicles. The city’s first payment to

the county under its existing budget projection is $185,747, in addition to the employees’ salaries and operational costs of $173,416 and the vehicles and other utilities they require are expected to use that cost approximately $140,628. Council Member Kristen Dreyer noted the revised agreement lacks written language detailing that those city-bought vehicles revert back to Ocala if the agreement is terminated. She requested added language requiring Marion County to return city-funded equipment upon terminating the agreement within five years. The county also must also track GPS locations on those vehicles and maintain call history data to be readily available to the city and the public.

Locked In

Council Member Jay Musleh questioned if the city would be “locked in” to the contract and required to pay fees even if service expectations were not met. “Probably every contract we’ve signed has some sort of out provision or cancellation clause if services or product is not delivered,” he said. Assistant City Manager Ken Whitehead said the contract has an 18-month written notice termination option if either party wishes to enact it, but that action cannot precede September 2027. City Attorney William Sexton also pointed out that Section 10 allows the city a timelier solution with a 30-day notice that service

expectations and obligations failed to be met. A dispute resolution section allows either party to submit an unresolved problem for mediation. Musleh asked if the council would have any “teeth” in the contract dispute section. “It’s the enhanced animal control service that the city is asking for in that section of the agreement,” Sexton replied. “That really is where we would have the ‘teeth’ that I think Councilman Musleh is talking about for more closely analyzing what (the county) is providing and then determining whether they are in default.” The county’s calls for service are prioritized by level and time of response to the scene. However, historically the county has had difficulty fully staffing this department, which in turn handicaps its ability to always respond timely to resident complaints. The county’s calls for service are prioritized by level and time of response to the scene. Here is how the county currently prioritizes animal control calls: Level 1 includes a threat to safety where the public or an animal is in distress and is responded to immediately. Level 2 response urgently follows the prior level and cases include animal injury, sale, and containment. Level 3 is deemed a sameday response once the first levels are handled, including abandonments and sick or

injured animals not within a public zone. In 24 hours, Level 4 is addressed with the services of animals not in eminent danger but facing cruelty and animal attacks not in progress. The latest reacted response is Level 5, where in 72 hours barking, stray, and vaccination calls are answered.

Public criticism

years is foolish and probably has more to do with kicking the issue past the retirement of the assistant city manager than anything a rational person would do with an underperforming vendor,” Creekbaum said. He said when the city was in control of animal services, actions simple as “rescuing cats from trees” were taken. He questioned whether the county will provide the same level of service. Creekbaum shared a personal experience of seeing a stray German shepherd on the south side of U.S. 27. He said if the dog is not causing physical harm, the county will not respond. “What does this interlocal do for that dog?” Creekbaum asked. “Absolutely nothing.” He concluded by saying, “To get a satisfactory resolution on this, some people in this room are gonna have to be replaced.” No one on the council responded to his comments.

Resident Brian Creekbaum, a frequent critic of the county’s animal control services, addressed several complaints to the council. “(The agreement) is an abdication of city council’s responsibility for making laws for the city of Ocala to county commissioners, who are not elected under our city charter,” he said. He said the city has no control over the quality of personnel the county supplies for services and no set goals in the agreement for measuring performance. “There are lots of ways that they can screw this up and make us really unhappy without being technically in default under this agreement,” he said. “Entering an File photo: Two of the 37 dogs that were seized and were all being agreement that kept at the Marion County Animal Center look out of their kennels locks the city in on Southeast 66th Street in Ocala on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. [Bruce for at least five Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

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MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Memorializing Mom

Ocalan Ed Hall made a significant donation in honor of his mother, for whom Hospice of Marion County’s new Grace Davis Hall House is named.

A photo of Grace Davis Hall hangs above a list of names on the Wall of Honor in the new Grace Davis Hall Hospice House on Southeast 62nd Street in Ocala on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

race Davis Hall was a World War II veteran of the Woman’s Army Corps, 30-year employee with Publix Super Markets and a dedicated volunteer with her church and hospice organizations. She was involved in giving hospice care through her church, First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, and her passion for end-of-life care led her son, Ed Hall of Ocala, to make a donation to Hospice of Marion County to help build the Grace Davis Hall House, a state-of-the-art facility

that will accommodate hospice patients and their families. The new facility is located on the HMC Helen “Mimi” Walker Campus at 2893 S.W. 62nd St. in Ocala, adjacent to Estelle’s House and the Monarch Center for Hope and Healing. Ground was broken for the new building in February 2022. The building was opened and dedicated on April 27. “She would’ve said, ‘Wow,’ about the house,” Ed Hall said. A portrait of his mother hangs near the front door of the new building, with a plaque that reads in part: “I got on the bus to school and you got on the bus to work and that made all the difference, In Loving Memory, Ed.” Another

portrait of Grace in her Army uniform hangs on an interior wall with a plaque that reads: “The Greatest Generation.” Several members of Grace’s family traveled to Ocala for the opening of the namesake house. Her sister, Jo Glymph, said Grace was a “wonderful” lady. Glymph’s son and Grace’s nephew, the Rev. Joe Glymph,was among a group of family members from the Pinellas County area and at least two other states at the opening. He said his aunt was an exercise enthusiast as well as a hospice volunteer. The 13,600-square-foot Grace Davis Hall House has eight, 400-square-foot rooms—more than double the size of the rooms in Estelle’s House. In the new hospice house, six of the rooms have attached screened lanais. The bathrooms have walk-in showers. It is equipped with a commercial level kitchen and features specially chosen decor and furnishings. HMC CEO Rick Bourne called the end-of-life care facility “warm and homelike.” “This facility is state-of-theart (and) one of the few (like it) in Florida, if not the U.S.,” Bourne said, adding that the donor specified that the new facility be state-of-the-art. “We already owned the land and its location was perfect since Estelle’s patient rooms were very small and had a limited area for families. We could enhance both the patient and family experience in a new facility,” he stated. Cindy Moody, HMC Charitable Gifts Officer, said she chose colors that are “natural and light” for the interior decor in Grace Davis Hall House. She said she wanted a serene, calming influence for visiting families as compared to an institutional type setting. Bruce Chancellor, HMC Facilities Director, said each room in the new house has specialized environment equipment with HEPA filtered fans and monitors to keep the air in each room compartmentalized and changed 12 times per hour. Cleanliness levels are similar to an operating room. After patients are transferred to Grace Davis Hall House

from Estelle’s House, HMC Donor-sponsored rooms will continue to have three in the new house include the hospice houses with 40 patient Curtis and Margaret Thompson beds. Estelle’s House will be Room by Five Daughters and converted to a multi-purpose Morgan’s Room, In Memory of facility and training center over Cathy D. Perry. the upcoming year, according to In the foyer of the new Grace HMC officials. Davis Hall House hangs a pastel “Our main administration painting of a sailboat by artist building needed more space and Patrick Donatello, donated by leadership realized we could Ed Hall. He said it had hung in convert Estelle’s (House) to a his mother’s Florida room for 25 multi-purpose center to expand years and could be interpreted as our educational opportunities ending or starting a journey. for staff and the community,” Bourne stated. To learn more about Patients with a diagnosis of six Hospice of Marion County, months or less to live are eligible go to hospiceofmarion.com for hospice care, HMC Director of Communications Brynett Gamba said. Treatment may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, but HMC doesn’t turn patients away, she said. HMC has thrift stores and private donors to help with costs, Gamba added. Ed Hall was a college basketball coach for 23 years and led Old Dominion college to a Division II NCAA National Championship in 1975. He has taught at Vanguard High School for 21 years. His ties to the family of HMC Planned Giving Director Beth McCall, through basketball coaching, led to the The lobby in the new Grace Davis Hall Hospice House on donation toward the house. Southeast 62nd Street in Ocala on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

Ed Hall, left, the largest donor for the new Hospice of Marion County Hospice House, talks about a painting by Pat Donatelli, which was hanging in the den of his late mother’s home, as he talks with Matt Kilgroe, Billy Allen and Cindy Moody, the Hospice Charitable Gifts Officer, left to right.

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

State Attorney Worrell accuses Gov. DeSantis of a “witch hunt” By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

onique H. Worrell, the state attorney for Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit, told hundreds in the audience on April 28 who had gathered for the Marion County NAACP Freedom Fund gala that she anticipates that Gov. Ron DeSantis will take steps to remove her from office. DeSantis has publicly accused Worrell, whose district encompasses Orange and Osceola counties, of not holding criminals “accountable” following a Feb. 27 shooting that ended in the death of three people, including a 9-year-old child. The alleged shooter, 19-year-old Keith Moses, was on probation at the time of the incident. Moses has a checkered juvenile record, most of which occurred before Worrell took office Jan. 1, 2021. U.S. Republican Senator Rick Scott also publicly expressed concerns that the murders were the result of Worrell’s “soft on crime” policies. Worrell told the crowd that she was shaken by the shootings, in part because of her own family. “When Keith Moses (allegedly) walked through the streets of Pine Hills on a rampage, shooting and killing three innocent people, one of whom was a 9-year-old little girl,” Worrell said she was horrified at the news, noting one of her own sons is 9 years old. “I immediately began to mourn with the people of Pine Hills and the suffering that they were enduring. I had no idea at that time that my horror had only begun. Because almost as quickly as it happened, a senator in Washington D.C., the governor and my local law enforcement (leader) jumped into action to make that tragedy my responsibility,” Worrell told the crowd. “Our local sheriff went on television and talked about how the individual (Moses) had 19 arrests and zero convictions and how law enforcement is doing their job and the state attorney needs to ensure accountability. What he didn’t say though, was really important. Number one, when a juvenile is arrested, their arrest never ever, ever results in a conviction, no matter what. Juveniles are not convicted, they are adjudicated. So, while it is technically accurate to say that the juvenile was arrested 19 times and had zero convictions, it was equally misleading, because a juvenile who is not charged in adult court will never have a conviction,’’ Worrell said. Other news outlets have reported that Moses was adjudicated many times as a juvenile and was committed to serving sentences but also had a history of not complying with court-ordered supervision. “He also neglected to mention that the bulk of those arrests happened before I was even elected. He also neglected to mention that on the one arrest that did happen since I was elected, for possession of marijuana, there was a firearm in the car. And it was a deputy who said he was going to test the firearm for DNA. And he never did. Nor did they ever present charges for possession of a firearm to my office for prosecution.”

According to prior to the event. one of them.” Worrell, many of the “But then to Davis did not respond to the “Gazette’s I think that in a contextual details came receive a very official request for comment prior to publishing democracy, whether out after the sheriff ’s letter from the Police this article. press conference; Chiefs Association, Worrell noted that a week following you’re a Democrat or however, DeSantis, basically requesting the Pine Hills shootings, there was a very Republican, you should all of the data whom she frequently similar mass murder in Brevard County referred to as a involving “an individual with a very be very concerned that regarding cases and “dictator,” had already prosecution of cases similar lengthy criminal history,” but so democracy is being entered the fray. since I took office? far, DeSantis has been silent about that undermined.” “And the senator It’s unprecedented,’’ tragic incident. (Republican Rick she said. “No other Similarly, nearly a month later, Marion Monique H. Worrell Scott) began calling state attorney has County would reel from the death of Florida’s 9th Judicial Circuit State Attorney for our resignations ever been requested three teens allegedly at the hands of three and my removal. And to provide this type of young males, two of whom are teens with a the governor sent letters demanding that information.” history of criminal infractions and one was I produce information regarding the case. DeSantis has already demonstrated his on probation at the time of the shootings. And after all the production took place, will to remove an elected state attorney William Gladson, the 5th Circuit there wasn’t a basis to remove me,” Worrell if he disagrees with their decisions. In State Attorney, has not drawn the told the crowd. August, he removed Hillsborough County same attention from DeSantis or other “From the day that I took office, there State Attorney Andrew Warren from Republican leaders. Worrell believes was obstacle after obstacle that was placed office, accusing him of not enforcing that’s because both Gladson and Brevard in my way. They didn’t like what I said, certain laws. Warren, a Democrat who said County State Attorney Phil Archer are they didn’t like how I said it,” she noted. DeSantis’ action was politically motivated, Republicans. While some were accusing Worrell is suing the governor to get his job back. “And let me be really clear, I’m not of being “anti-law enforcement,” The increase in violent juvenile crime proposing that DeSantis should [give others, especially members of the Black statewide has created some concerns that Gladson or Archer attention] because the community, have complained she is not sentencing laws for juvenile justice are reality is prosecutors do not have control tough enough on prosecuting officers who not restrictive enough. “I agree,’’ Worrell over the actions of individuals who have they feel have acted in a manner they told the “Gazette.’’ “Absolutely! I proposed served their sentences for whatever crimes didn’t like. reforming laws that would give the juvenile they’ve previously committed on what Some of those complaining, Worrell system more teeth.” they’re going to do,’’ she said. said, may not grasp the restrictions of But Worrell said that in her role as “Since the (Pine Hills) mass shooting, the law. “As the chief law enforcement state attorney, she can only enforce the there have been several other shootings officer of the 9th Judicial Circuit, the only laws that are in place, unlike DeSantis, in the Orlando area, many of them by authority I have is to enforce laws that who can pressure the legislature to change individuals who have no criminal history. currently exist,” she said. the law to his liking. So, a criminal history isn’t determinative Worrell believes the efforts to have her Worrell’s office provided the “Gazette” in and of itself of whether or not someone’s removed have not stopped and described it with proposed legislation she offered capable of engaging in catastrophic gun as a “witch hunt.” in January to State Rep. LaVon Bracy violence,” Worrell told the “Gazette.” Earlier Friday morning, Worrell said, Davis that would give the court and Worrell, who is a Democrat, believes a Republican state committeewoman, the prosecutors more discretion over her party affiliation isn’t the only reason Debbie Galvin, called someone who worked determining a minimum amount of she’s being targeted by DeSantis. in Worrell’s office asking for information time that would be served by juveniles “I think that a lot of the legislation that about two human trafficking cases that when they commit violent crimes. (Read he’s passed shows where he stands with prosecutors Worrell’s office had dropped. Worrell’s Memorandum- Legislative his views on cultural diversity and women “She said she needed it for an event Action Request – Juvenile Justice Reform in positions of power. I think that in a with the governor on Monday and 01-24-23) democracy, whether you’re a Democrat or then went on to talk about how these “Currently, neither prosecutors nor Republican, you should be very concerned prosecutors across the state are not judges have discretion over what happens that democracy is being undermined.” following the law. And you know, they need to children to be stopped or something along those when they are lines,” Worrell said. sentenced in Worrell said when her office reached the juvenile back to Galvin by phone, “She had no system,’’ she comment and hung up the phone pretty explained. “It is abruptly.” the Department Neither the governor’s office nor Galvin of Juvenile have responded to the “Gazette’s” request Justice, which, for comment. ironically, is It wasn’t only the call from Galvin that appointed by elevated Worrell’s concerns about the the governor. governor’s inquiry. So, he does have “About a week ago,’’ she said, “I received control over the a letter from the Central Florida Police policies within Chiefs Association, again requesting a lot the Department of data about my first two years as state of Juvenile attorney, again, I think, to supplement the Justice.” governor’s request.” Worrell Worrell believes this is part of “an pointed out, ongoing attempt by Tallahassee to build a “While there basis to remove her.” has been a As to local law enforcement, “I think boatload of that they always had an agenda to try to legislation figure out how to get me out of office as passed in this quickly as possible. And it’s just become legislative more obvious within probably the last six session, Monique Worrell, the State Attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit in Orlando, speaks during the NAACP months or so by different interactions that juvenile justice 5114 Marion County Branch 41st Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet at the Klein Conference Center at we’ve had,” said Worrell in an interview reform was not the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Friday, April 28, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

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MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

OFFICIAL SAMPLE BALLOT / PAPELETA OFICIAL DE MUESTRA May 16, 2023 Special General Election* • Marion County, Florida 16 de mayo de 2023, Elección General Especial* • Condado de Marion, Florida

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JEFFRETY S. WILLS, deceased CASE NO. 2023-CP-000688AX

Para votar por un candidato por escrito, complete el óvalo e imprima el nombre claramente en la línea en blanco proporcionada para el candidato por escrito.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Marion County Election Center 981 NE 16th St., Ocala Freedom Public Library 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala Belleview Public Library 13145 SE HWY 484, Belleview Deputy Brian Litz Building 9048 SW HWY 200, Ocala

*Only registered voters who live within House District 24 are eligible to vote in this election. *Solo los votantes registrados que viven dentro del Distrito 24 de la Cámara son elegibles para votar en esta elección.

Voting Locations in House District 24 / Lugares de Votación en el Distrito 24 de la Cámara 0001

1st Christian Church

Address/Dirección

Precinct/Precinto

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

To vote for a write-in candidate, fill in the oval and print the name clearly on the blank line provided for the write-in candidate.

Early Voting Sites / Sitios de Votación Anticipada 05/06/2023 - 05/13/2023 • 10 AM - 6 PM

Precinct/Precinto Location/Ubicación

Public Notice

Location/Ubicación

Address/Dirección

1908 E Fort King St., Ocala

3160

Grace Presbyterian Church

2255 SE 38th St., Ocala

3170

Abiding Hope Lutheran Church

777 SE 58th Ave., Ocala

0004

Central Christian Church

3010 NE 14th St., Ocala

0005

Fore Ranch Prairie Club

4001 SW 53rd Ave., Ocala

4030

Spruce Creek Preserve, Comm. Ctr.

11376 SW 136th Pl., Dunnellon

0006

South Point Church

3401 SE Lake Weir Ave., Ocala

4040

Florida Highlands Baptist Church

10891 SW 155th St., Dunnellon

0007

Cala Hills Clubhouse

2400 SW 21st Cir., Ocala

4050

Marion Oaks Comm Ctr., Bldg. B

294 Marion Oaks Ln., Ocala

0008

Webber Center, Bldg. 71

3001 SW College Rd., Ocala

4060

Marion Oaks Comm Ctr, Aud.

294 Marion Oaks Ln., Ocala

0012

Oakcrest Baptist Church, Gym

1109 NE 28th St., Ocala

4070

SummerGlen Clubhouse

1474 SW 154th Street Rd., Ocala

0013

Ocala Golf Club

3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

4080

Maranatha Baptist Church

525 Marion Oaks Trl., Ocala

0014

First Baptist Church, Foyer

2801 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala

4090

Marion Oaks Assembly of God

13977 SW 32nd Terrace Rd., Ocala

0015

Ocala Christian Church

717 NE 36th Ave., Ocala

4100

Timber Ridge Comm. Church of Ocala

10260 SW 110th St., Dunnellon

0016

St. Paul's UM Church, Fell. Hall

800 SE 41st Ave., Ocala

4110

Oak Run Orchid Clubhouse

8885 SW 110th St., Ocala

0040

American Legion Hall

5515 SE 109th St., Belleview

4120

Oak Run Palm Grove Clubhouse

6951 SW 115th Street Rd., Ocala

2050

Fellowship Baptist Church, Fell. Hall

10500 NW HWY 27, Ocala

4130

Palm Cay Oasis Clubhouse

8063 SW 106th Pl., Ocala

2100

St Johns UM Church, Conley Hall

12390 W HWY 328, Ocala

4140

Hebron Evangelical Church

125 Marion Oaks Trl., Ocala

3060

1st Baptist Church of S'field, Family Life

14550 SE 65th Ct., Summerfield

4150

OTOW Arbor Conference Ctr., Suite E

10070 SW 94th St., Ocala

4151

OTOW Arbor Conference Ctr., Studio II & III 10070 SW 94th St., Ocala

3070

Community Harvest Baptist Church

14915 SE 36th Ave., Summerfield

3080

Shady Road Villas Clubhouse

9100 SW 27th Ave., Ocala

4152

OTOW Master the Possibilities, ClassRm. 1

8415 SW 80th St., Ocala

3090

Olivet Baptist Church

8495 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala

4153

OTOW Master the Possibilities, ClassRm. 2

8415 SW 80th St., Ocala

3100

Cornerstone UP Church

3300 SW 66th St., Ocala

4154

Stone Creek Reunion Center

6111 SW 89th Court Rd., Ocala

3110

Sheriff's South Dist Office

3260 SE 80th St., Ocala

4160

Countryside Presbyterian Church

7768 SW HWY 200, Ocala

3120

Sacred Fire Church

12226 SE US HWY 301, Belleview

4170

Christ's Church of Marion County

6768 SW 80th St., Ocala

3130

Church at the Springs

5424 SE 58th Ave., Ocala

4180

Saddle Oak Club Clubhouse

5610 SW 60th St., Ocala

3140

Ocala Shrine Club

4301 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala

4190

Marion Landing Lifestyle Ctr.

8601 SW 65th Avenue Rd., Ocala

3150

St George Anglican Cathedral

5646 SE 28th St., Ocala

4200

Joy Evangelical Lutheran

7045 SW 83rd Pl., Ocala

The administration of the estate of Jeffrey S. Wills, deceased, whose date of death was August 11, 2022, is pending in The Fifth Judicial Circuit of Marion County Florida , Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Ave., FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is April 28, 2023.

Angela M. Huber, Esquire Attorney for Petitioner Huber Law Group, PL Florida Bar Number: 119212 17231 Camelot Court Land O’ Lakes, Fl 34683Lutz, FL 33558 Phone/Fax: 813-280-4877 Email: angela@huberlawpl.com Secondary E-Mail: admin@huberlawpl. com Sadonia Lemon, Petitioner 4001 SW 33rd Court, Ocala, Fl 34474

Public Notice May 5 , 2023 LEGAL NOTICE (F.S. 98.075) Notice is hereby given: BROWN, YITZCHOK 1713 E SILV SPRGS BLVD OCALA, FL 34470 CARTER, JOSEPH W 17940 SE 100TH TER SUMMERFIELD, FL 34491 COLEMAN, TANAYSHA A 203 NW 10TH AVE OCALA, FL 34475 DUNKIN, THOMAS P 9618 NW 30TH AVE OCALA, FL 34475 GERSON, SABRINA 2426 NE 14TH ST OCALA, FL 34470 GRAHAM, HEATHER R 3950 NE 4TH TER OCALA, FL 34479 HANNAH, EUGENE F 5080 SE 148TH PL SUMMERFIELD, FL 34491 HESTER, DARRELL D 17 WATER TRACK DR OCALA, FL 34472 KING JR, GEORGE V 14220 NE 155TH PL FORT MC COY, FL 32134 LEONE, WILLIAM E 2901 SW 41ST ST OCALA, FL 34474 LYNN, STEPHEN D 12601 SW 8TH AVE OCALA, FL 34473 NARDI, AMANDA D 8921 SW 148TH LN DUNNELLON, FL 34432 NELSON, JEFFREY D 4085 NW 19TH AVE OCALA, FL 34475 OCULL, ANDREW C 4215 SE 11TH PL OCALA, FL 34471 SAUNDERS JR, JEREMY M 13151 SE 110TH CT OCKLAWAHA, FL 32179 TOWERS, CANDY B 20969 SE 157TH ST UMATILLA, FL 32784 You are hereby notified that your eligibility to vote is in question. You are required to contact the Supervisor of Elections, in Ocala, Florida, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of this publishing. Failure to respond will result in a determination of ineligibility by the Supervisor and your name will be removed from the statewide voter registration system. Wesley Wilcox Marion County Supervisor of Elections 981 NE 16th Street Ocala, Florida 34470

www.VoteMarion.Gov

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This Sample Ballot was prepared in accordance with Section 101.20(2), Florida Statutes, and furnished by Wesley Wilcox, Supervisor of Elections. This translation has been prepared in compliance with Rivera Madera v. Detzner, No. 1:18-CV-152-MW/GRJ, 2018 WL 4289625 (N.D. Fla. Sept. 10, 2018).

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MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

41st Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet

Colin Mitchell, the president of the Marion County Youth Council and the Florida State Conference, center, delivers an inspirational message as DeNaya Wilkerson, left, and State Attorney Monique Worrell, right, listen during the NAACP 5114 Marion County Branch 41st Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Friday, April 28, 2023.

he Marion County chapter of the NAACP welcomed hundreds of guests to the 41st Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet on April 28 at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida. The organization’s president, Bishop James D. Stockton III, bestowed the President’s Award to Loretha TolbertRich, a local nurse who Stockton said was instrumental in helping coordinate efforts in the Black community in response to the threat of COVID-19. Theresa Boston-Ellis accepted the Community Service Uplift award for the Alumnae Chapter of Delta Theta Sorority. Cynthia Wilson Graham and Monica Bryant received the Positive Social Awareness Award for their efforts to tell the stories of the Black community through their “Town Talk Magazine.” Local leaders from within the NAACP and different sectors across Marion County addressed the crowd before the keynote speaker, Monique Worrell, the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, took the stage.

Loretha Tolbert-Rich, center, receives the President’s Award from local NAACP President Bishop James D. Stockton III, right, as Eric Cummings, left, looks on.

To learn about the local branch, go to FB.com/NAACPofMarionCounty Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Theresa Boston-Ellis, left, receives the Community Service Uplift award for the Alumnae Chapter of Delta Theta Sorority from Donna Wilkerson, right.

Purple Heart recipient James Curley Sr., right, was among the many guests.

Cynthia Wilson Graham, left, and Monica Bryant, center, receive the Positive Social Awareness Award for Town Talk Magazine.

Rev. Jerone Gamble speaks.

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MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Surgical excellence in Marion County As the first hospital in Marion County to receive the Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence accreditation, AdventHealth Ocala is raising the bar for surgical care in our community.* We use the latest innovations to perform minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, which mean less pain, less scarring and a quicker recovery. With our experienced team on your side, you can get back to life’s important moments, faster. *Accredited Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC)

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MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things From their familia to yours

Latin American Cafe serves Cuban home cooking that’s delicious and affordable. Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Grilled Fish with Moro rice.

Manny Camps, left, and his daughter, Mia, center, and his wife, Isabel, right, pose with one of their signature dishes, a Cuban Breaded Steak, at the Latin American Cafe in Oakbrook Plaza on Northeast 14th Street in Ocala on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

A Bon Bon espresso.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

erving dishes prepared with fresh produce and extra virgin olive oil, and fresh bread made by La Segunda Bakery, Latin American Cafe serves homestyle Cuban favorites to a loyal posse of regular customers during lunch and early dinner hours. The quality of this eatery’s entrees, breakfast, sandwiches and desserts is on par and often exceeds the specialties of more expensive CubanSpanish restaurants. Their menu comprises staples such as the Cuban sandwich, the media noche sandwich, bistec empanizado (batter-fried steak), black beans and rice, and creamy-dreamy flan for dessert. The pastries are baked fresh twice daily and the cafe con leche is fresh brewed with espresso. Fresh fruit dishes are refreshing and nourishing, prepared with ice like a smoothie or with milk similar to a creamy smoothie or milkshake. The eatery will be expanded soon, adding around 40 more customers to its capacity. A small patio outside accommodates dog owners with a cold bowl of water. Specialties such as red snapper and oxtail are available on certain days or by request (call in advance to find out if available). For lunch, you can order a $10.50 meal that includes a main course, rice and beans (red or black beans, yellow or white rice), and a third side with a choice of plantains, tostones, yucca or French fries. Save calories and a few dollars with the half-Cuban, beans and rice, plus choice of soup or fries for $7. “We always use olive oil, trim the fat from our meat, and don’t cut corners on quality, even though I could save money by doing things

differently,” owner Manny Camps emphasized. On our visit, the chicken fricase served during the Thursday lunch special was fall-off-the-bone tender and didn’t have any extra fat, and the sauce was rendered delicately but flavorfully. Even with this attention to detail, Latin American Cafe’s plates and sandwiches can be enjoyed for prices comparable to fast-casual chain eateries with fewer accommodations to customer requests and far less homestyle goodness. If you’re new to Cuban food, it’s about as close to an actual melting pot you’re going to find, with recipes that include a heaping helping of Spanish/ Mediterranean cuisine, some indigenous influences, and tropical fruits, vegetables, and spices from Asia and Africa by way of the Caribbean. And as with Mediterranean foods, the spices aren’t heavyhanded. Garlic is a co-star, not the main attraction. The savory sauces and stews on Latin American Cafe’s menu originate from specialties prepared by Camps’ mother, whom he affectionately calls a “Cuban hillbilly” who, he claims, could make more money selling her dishes than her husband, Manny’s father, took home as an attorney. “My mom had a green thumb when it came to cooking,” Camps said, adding that she was one of those cooks who didn’t rely on recipes and measurements. Camps’ wife, Isabel—an artist when not working at the restaurant—learned Cuban cooking from her mother-inlaw. Over the years, Camps translated his mom’s dishes into written recipes to be prepared by the cooks at his restaurant and passed them down to their two children, Mia and Ethan, who help out at the café and attend college (Mia at Valencia College

and Ethan at the College of Central Florida). “To me, cooking is a touch,” Camps said between greeting regulars. “I can honestly say that our food tastes so good thanks to my wife, and when I met her she hated the kitchen and could burn boiling water! But she learned how to cook amazingly.” Camps, 64, cares about his legacy, which has been on his mind since he almost died twice from a stroke and, later, COVID-19 complications. He has diabetes and hypertension and was at high risk for death from coronavirus. In a medically induced coma for nearly six months in 2020, Camps lost 64 pounds throughout the ordeal and had a special “heart massaging” pacemaker implanted. The Camps’ kids and cook Maria Pelico, prep cook Carmelina Gonzalez and line cook Olga Calel kept running the restaurant when Camps was in the hospital. “They did a phenomenal job,” he said. Camps doesn’t let his troubles get him down. He bops around his restaurant, greeting customers by their first name. On our visit, he checked in on a friend coping with cancer treatment, discussing doctor appointments and medications in Spanish. Camps hopes the expanded space will be completed by this summer or fall at the latest. He praises his contractor, Ram Jaimungal, owner of Ram Construction Concepts. “I love my customers,” Camps said, “and for the grand re-opening, I’m going to invite every person that I can think of, the ones that criticized me, the ones that like me, all the politicians—I don’t care if you are blue, red, purple—all the inspectors. I’m gonna do what I wanted to do when I came to Ocala, bring people together.”

Sara Maresma delivers an order.

“To me, cooking is a touch. I can honestly say that our food tastes so good thanks to my wife, and when I met her she hated the kitchen and could burn boiling water!” Manny Camps

Latin American Cafe

2714 NE 14th St. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

(352) 351-2822

latinamericancafe352@gmail.com FB.com/LatinAmericanCafeOcala

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

A passage to India

Dr. Sheni Meghani has a new cultural immersion project in the works, and it involves taking people to her homeland.

Sheni Meghani, Tour planner and co-founder of the Strategic Community Alliance, grew up in Gujarat, India. [File photo]

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

magine spending some quality time at the Taj Mahal before watching Indian artisans weave a traditional Gujarati patola sari and taking a boat ride on the Narmada River. Dr. Sheni Meghani is making these visions of India a reality for a select group of lucky travelers by way of her nonprofit’s first tour of the nation in January 2024. Through her art-and-culture collaborations at the Marion Cultural Alliance and elsewhere in the community, Meghani has fostered an understanding of her homeland and helped build connections between people from different backgrounds and nationalities. Meghani cares passionately about empathy and global consciousness for people from all cultures. She is unique in how she gives her undivided attention while talking to you and doesn’t hold back her enthusiasm. And, of course, Meghani has also clocked in countless hours as a board-certified physician in internal medicine, geriatric medicine, palliative and hospice care. In the latest chapter of her life’s work, she has teamed up with her husband, Cain Davis, to form a nonprofit called the Strategic Community Alliance Inc. Their motto: “Promoting and empowering communities as one.” In recent weeks, Meghani and Davis have met with community organizations, coaching leaders and stakeholders on how to address challenges around diversity and inclusion, helping everyone they talk to learn how to build connection and understanding through engaging workshops and other projects. The couple’s new fundraiser for the Alliance, “Experience India,” is a more high-flying project. Literally. Meghani, Davis and 30 participants will board a plane and fly halfway around the world to raise funds for the Strategic Community Alliance next winter.

Meghani, who grew up in Gujarat, the western part of the central Asian nation, calls the two-week tour a fantastic opportunity to travel to India, one of the most revered parts of the world. She and Davis went to India together a few years ago and made sure to visit destinations of historic importance and lesser-known places off the beaten path. Gathering all she and Davis learned from those experiences, she planned “Experience India” as an intimate immersion into the country’s multifaceted societies, regions with their own distinct languages and customs, historical landmarks, and the nation’s richly varied cuisine and arts. “You will see, explore, and experience the rich culture, inspiring history, vibrant arts, architectural marvels, traditions, and breathtaking sites of historical India,” the tour brochure reads. “You will fall in love with the hospitality, humility and generosity of the people of India.” Tour highlights include the assistance of American travel buddies (similar to chaperones) who know the languages and culture of India; an opportunity to see the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous structures; a visit to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, with a height of nearly 600 feet, located near Kevadia in Gujarat — the landmark portrays Indian statesman and independence activist Vallabhbhai “Sardar” Patel, the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India and an adherent of Mahatma Gandhi. The itinerary also features a stop at Delhi; the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ahmedabad, Pavagadh-Champaner, Patan and Delhi; places related to Gandhi and Patel. Opportunities to meet local artisans and learn about an array of Indian arts, handicrafts and handwoven fabrics will be featured, along with a cultural program and a variety of Indian foods. What doesn’t the tour include? International airfare and flights. According to Meghani, travelers tend to have very different international flight preferences, so tour participants must schedule their own flights, which vary in price, times, airlines, etc. They can also take advantage of their frequent-flyer programs. Also not included are tips and gratuities, lunch and dinner (food is inexpensive, approximately $10 a day, according to Meghani), visa fees (Strategic Community Alliance representatives will facilitate meetings with their visa expert to assist the tour participants with completing all required paperwork for visa application). It all starts in Ahmedabad on Jan. 16, 2024, and ends in Delhi on Jan. 28, 2024. A maximum number of 30 people can sign up. “These limited seats can fill up quickly due to the quality of the tour, which includes staying in five-star hotels, transportation in a luxury air-conditioned

coach, and no additional fees for access to numerous site-seeing venues. The cost is $2,200 per person for two people per hotel room, and $3,200 per person for a single person per hotel room. Also included will be free information sessions to help participants prepare for the big trip. “We are going to have a series of meetings where we can help people learn how to get a visa, what it requires, what to pack or what to think about such as, ‘What credit card I should take?’ or what kind of mosquito equivalent, what kind of clothes to pack,” Meghani said. A nonrefundable deposit of $900 each is required per person for those traveling in pairs, and $1,300 per single traveler is due, both before June 5, 2023. Full payment can either be made on the initial

For more information about “Experience India,” email shenimeghani@yahoo.com

The Taj Mahal is among the many stops on the Experience India Tour planned by the Strategic Community Alliance for January 2024. [Creative Commons]

Also on the tour, the world’s tallest statue, India’s Statue of Unity, which boasts a height of around 600 feet, of Indian statesman and independence activist Vallabhbhai “Sardar” Patel, the first deputy prime minister and home minister of independent India. [Wiki Commons]

“MOLLY’S LAW” DOCUMENTARY TO BE SHOWN ON PBS

he “Molly’s Law” documentary that premiered at the Marion Theatre in April of 2022 will be shown three times this month on WUFT-TV/PBS. Molly, the beloved canine who died in February, was the longtime ambassador for Molly’s Law, also known as the Marion County Animal Abuser Registry. The purpose of the documentary is to share Molly’s story and serve as a model for other communities to create similar programs. Molly, an American boxer mix, was stabbed three times in the head and had her skull fractured with a baseball bat in early 2014. Her accused attacker, Steven Scott Fleming, served time in state prison on three counts of felony cruelty to animals. Molly’s Law requires that any offender convicted of an animal abuse crime be placed on the registry, on online database that allows citizens, pet sellers and rescue organizations to verify they are not placing an animal with an animal abuser. The 24-minute film will air at 10 p.m. May 15, 10:30 p.m. May 25 and 6:30 p.m. May 28.

To learn more, go to spcaofocala.org

reservation or must be paid no later than Oct. 31, 2023. The cost of the tour includes the domestic flight from Vadodara, India, to Delhi, India; 12 nights in five-star hotels; all breakfasts served in the hotels. “You are going to have a nice breakfast, and you’re going to have a super nice shower,” Meghani assured. “You’re also going to have a nice gym, so when you are inside, you might forget that you are on another continent,” she said. “We are not taking you to a place where you are going to rough it. It is more of an exercise for our minds and hearts.”

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR PATRIOT SERVICE DOGS VOLUNTEERS

atriot Service Dogs of Ocala is accepting applications through May 10 for volunteers for the 2023 Service Dog Summer School. Patriot Service Dogs trains service dogs for veterans without charge. Service Dog Summer School is a short-term program for people to try puppy raising with the support of other volunteers, fun training outings, and the Patriot Service Dog team. Volunteers work with future service dogs between 6-10 months old, which have already received some training. Patriot Service Dogs cover all costs associated with the dog. Volunteers commit to following service dog rules (no human food, no sleeping in bed, etc.), learning the basic commands, and making the dog a part of their life for the summer.

File photo: People gather in the theatre during the Molly’s Law Documentary premiere at the Marion Theatre in Ocala on Sunday, April 24, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

More information can be found at www.patriotservicedogs.org.

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Salvation Army in critical need of volunteers By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

he COVID-19 pandemic has had dire consequences for many people and local nonprofit agencies, and the local Salvation Army is no exception. “Since the epidemic hit three years ago, and we were not able to gather together and perform many of our normal functions, volunteers have dwindled to the point where it is now critical to the services we try to provide to the community,” said retired Major Forrest McIntyre, who serves as the volunteer coordinator for the organization. “It started when COVID hit. The volunteers stopped coming, and it is hard to get the program recharged.” “Need knows no season. We need volunteers all year-round,” McIntyre’s wife, retired Major Carrie McIntyre, stressed. Forrest McIntyre went on to explain that volunteers are critical for maintaining the efforts of the organization’s community outreaches. The most critical local areas affected by this shortage are the Center of Hope, emergency and transitional housing programs, and the thrift store. The Center of Hope provides overnight emergency shelter for the homeless, with a 40-bed men’s dormitory and a 20bed dormitory for women and families. The center provides two meals a day to thousands of homeless and low-income people every year. “Usually, the shelter is full,” McIntyre

said. “People can stay overnight and can come back the next night if there is room. They receive breakfast and supper meals.’’ People have to have a picture identification card and cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Once they check in, they are not allowed to leave the facility until the next morning or they will not be allowed back that night. Transitional and emergency housing also is provided by the Center of Hope, with long-term safe shelter for clients, including families. “This housing can last up to about a year, during which time clients are expected to make progress to become independent,” McIntyre pointed out. They are expected to seek employment, take budgeting classes, and participate in counseling sessions provided for them, and their progress is tracked, he said. They are provided with three meals a day and are expected to keep their space clean. A cold/hot night shelter is available for homeless persons to be able to stay when the weather is inclement. The Salvation Army is also on standby as an emergency disaster services “canteen.” This is run under the direction of Florida’s Emergency Management Division, McIntyre explained. Any time there is a natural or man-made disaster, the Salvation Army organization is called to step in. If needed, this can be a twoweek assignment. “Everything we do is on an emergency basis to begin with,” McIntyre explained. “When people come to us, we assign them to the different programs (help) we can offer.”

McIntyre said the agency’s programs and the Salvation Army Thrift Store are in urgent need of volunteers. All the proceeds from the thrift store are used to help fund the programs. “An example is for electric, food, housing needs, etc.” he explained. McIntyre explained the scope of ongoing volunteer needs: At the Center of Hope, because of the kitchen equipment, cooks have to be hired by the organization. But donations of food are needed, as well as help in serving food and cleaning the kitchen and dining areas. Housekeeping chores for the transitional housing areas are needed, where there is only limited employed staff. A librarian is needed for the Evangeline Booth Garden Apartments for senior citizens. This is a HUD-supported program and the high-rise building, which is on the Salvation Army grounds, houses 64 apartments, and there is a waiting list. Someone is needed to clean the common areas at the apartment building. Speaking of the thrift store, McIntyre explained donations are needed of clothing, furniture, small and large appliances in working order, and nonperishable, nonexpired food items. There are several paid employees at the store, but volunteers are needed to clean and sort goods that are donated, and to help with sweeping, dusting, and placing items on shelves. “Every dollar that is spent to employ individuals in these area is money that is taken from the ministries themselves. We try to network with other churches and

agencies in town. No agency can do this by themselves,” he said. McIntyre highlighted several activities the Salvation Army has planned to help bring awareness of its services—and needs—to residents of Marion County. National Salvation Army Week will be observed from May 15-21. There is an open house scheduled for the Center of Hope, the Evangeline Booth apartment building, and the thrift store. The date has not yet been set for one day to highlight the Emergency Services Canteen. An “Old Fashioned Salvation Army Service on the Square” is being planned for the public at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, with singing, music, and the signature Salvation Army drum. Plans are not finalized for this event yet, however, McIntyre stated. Even though Christmas seems far away today, the Red Kettle program of the Salvation Army needs to be organized by mid-July. This year’s goal is $220,000, with volunteers needed for 34 locations. It is hoped that organizations and churches in Marion County will help with this essential effort. “The Salvation Army of Marion County could not perform the services we are called to do without volunteers. They are the key to every nonprofit organization,” McIntyre summarized. “Volunteers are the backbone of a good charity.”

To volunteer, email Forrest. Mcintyre@uss.salvationarmy.org or call (352) 629-2004.

15-cent burgers? Cruising in a ’57 Chevy?

From left, Carolyn Shealy Freleigh, Kim Nolan Steve, Kerren Mathena Bickerton, Sally Jo Landphair Pitts, Kathy McDonald Walkup, Pam Stafford and Yvette Sutton enjoy a tour at the Fort King Historic Landmark during 60th reunion events for the Ocala High School Class of 1963. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

Belton Jennings, a member of the Ocala High School Class of 1963, shows his student photo during 60th class reunion events held April 28-30 in Ocala. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

Janet Behnke, left, a member of the Ocala High School Class of 1963, is given a look at the new blacksmith shop at the Fort King National Historic Landmark by Pamela Stafford, during a tour as part of the class’s 60th reunion. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

Ocala High Class of 1963 gathers to remember the good ol’ days By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

cala High School (OHS) Class of 1963 members recalled happy times like cruising to the Big D for Cherry Cokes and onion rings and worrisome times like the Cuban missile crisis and the risk of nuclear war at their 60th class reunion, held April 28 through 30 at several Ocala venues. They also remembered that the valedictorian’s speech back in 1963 sent them off to live up to President John F. Kennedy’s words to give back to society. The reunion events included a meet-and-greet, veteran appreciation, classmate memorial, brunch at a class member’s home and a tour of the museum and circa 1827 wooden fort reconstruction at the Fort King National Historic Landmark and Visitors Center. In 1963, Ocala High School was located at 1614 E. Fort King St., the current site of Marion Technical Institute. The 1963 class had 303 members, 91 of whom have passed away. Eighty-four class members attended some reunion activities, according to Kathy (McDonald) Walkup, a class member and reunion organizer. About 20 class members and guests joined the April 29 tour of the fort and museum. A few shared their recollections of OHS and details about their lives after graduation.

Walkup compared early 1960s Ocala to “Mayberry,” the laid-back, quiet Southern town portrayed in the Andy Griffith television series. She said in the 1960s, “everything was downtown” in Ocala. She said the Marion County Courthouse was located on the site of the current downtown square and the area “was the absolute heart of Ocala … encircled by merchants, drug stores and restaurants. It was our hub of life and all activity. There were two theatres here, the Marion, which is still operating, and the Ritz,” she said. Class member Frank Stafford attended the tour with his wife, Pamela Stafford, a past president of the Fort King Heritage Association. She led a tour of the reconstructed wooden fort and a peek at the new working blacksmith shop, which will be dedicated later this month. Frank Stafford and Walkup recalled the Chicken Ranch restaurant on the “S” curve (Southwest 10th Street) and the Big D, an eatery in the 800 block of South Pine Avenue where waitress Iva Wood served up favorites like Cherry Cokes and onion rings. Walkup said Wood was “like a mother” to the teens. He recalled that following a fire at a popular teen spot called the Cat’s Corner, a melted record was found on the jukebox. The record was “Runaround Sue.” The two chatted about class members driving around town

in cars like a 1957 Chevy and an early model Ford with a “rumble seat.” “It was a time of innocence,” he said. Walkup recalled how some students at OHS reacted to the October 1962 Cuban missile crisis, which raised the threat of nuclear war, particularly for Florida, which is 90 miles away from Cuba. “(O)ur teenage boys dressed in camouflage and held signs and placards that read ’To Hell with Fidel!’ It’s in our 1963 yearbook,” she said. She noted that Q.V. Lowe, a baseball Hall of Famer at Auburn University, and Dr. Bill Brawner, a professor emeritus in diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology at Auburn, are both members of the OHS Class of 1963. Class member Janet Behnke remembered “playing volleyball at Silver Springs” attraction, which had a beach set up at the time. Behnke served as the first female attorney in the Fifth Judicial Circuit and later as a Marion County judge. She a former president of the Ocala Marion County Chamber of Commerce and a former president of the Marion County Bar Association. Yevette Phillips-Sutter accompanied her class member husband, Don Sutter, on the tour. He was on the OHS track team that set a school record for the sprint relay. She is a graduate of the OHS Class of 1964 and the

daughter of the late Navy Chief James Phillips, a World War II veteran who was very active in local veterans’ organizations. She remembered the Fort King site as the vicinity where her Brownie Troop had campfire gatherings and “told ghost stories.” Belton Jennings worked for a time, including the morning after the class’s senior prom, as a broadcaster on Ocala’s WWKE AM radio, using the on-air personality name “Terry Lee.” “Whenever I’d play a Beatles record, the phone lines would light up,” he recalled. Jennings also worked as a conductor on the antique steam train at Six Gun Territory and recalled seeing Dan Blocker, who played “Hoss” Cartwright on the television series “Bonanza,” at the theme park. Jennings served 34 years active and reserve service in the Navy, including on the carrier U.S.S. Forrestal. He attained the rank of captain. His civilian career included working as a “trade association executive” with chambers of commerce in Gainesville and Virginia and CEO for Realtor associations in Virginia Beach, Orlando and the Virgin Islands. He also worked for a time at a newspaper in Gainesville. Dr. Milo Hatch, a member of the class, moved to Ocala with his family from Atlanta when he was 3 years old. He said his mother’s family dates back many generations in the Ocala area and his uncle Lewis Chazel co-wrote

the historical account, “Ocali Country, Kingdom of the Sun.” Hatch earned his degree in dentistry at Emory School of Medicine and served as a dentist in the Navy for two years and then for 29 years at VA Bay Pines Health Care in St. Petersburg. He joked that in 31 years, he “never gave a patient a bill.” Hatch said he worked at Ocala’s first McDonald’s restaurant on South Pine Avenue and was one of the earliest youth workers at the location. He recalled the price of a hamburger was 15 cents; a bag of French fries was 12 cents. Class valedictorian Joyce Hendley-Pollack attended Duke University and remained in North Carolina where she raised two children. She most recently worked in the field of medical office software. She remembered her address, which drew upon remarks Kennedy made in a speech to the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on Jan. 9, 1961. “For those to whom much is given, much is required,” Kennedy stated. Hendley-Pollack recalled that her speech noted, “Those of us blessed to be alive and healthy and graduate from high school should make our lives worthwhile.” Walkup said the class members sponsor a fundraiser to donate a $1,000 scholarship annually to a student attending the College of Central Florida.

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the Week

Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.

Great horned owl [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

hese majestic owls are the second most common owl species in Marion County, after the barred owl. You can identify them by their distinctive ear tufts as well as by their plaintive song. The owl in this photograph is a well-known resident of a golf course in The Villages.

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In his talk Dr. Pardi will cover fundamental questions about what health, wellness, well-being, disease, and illness mean, and discuss novel mind frames on how to increase one’s level of health in today’s world. Dr. Pardi will also explore how to measure all things health, taking into consideration objective measurements of health status, a discussion on normality vs optimal, and non-traditional health measurements, including qualitative assessments of health potential based on available health resources and health literacy. At the heart of his talk will be a discussion on how individuals, given the state of the world today, can best navigate their health regardless of where they currently sit on the health continuum.

15 S.E. Osceola Avenue Downtown Ocala Dan Pardi is the CEO of humanOS.me - a digital health training application. To create humanOS, the team has collaborated with over 100 top health-science Professors across the globe. Their podcast, humanOS Radio, is the official podcast of the Sleep Research Society, the Canadian Sleep Society, and a content partner of the Buck Institute on Aging.

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May 18, 2023 Reception: Begins at 5:30 p.m. Talk:

Begins at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited RSVP to ihmc-20230223.eventbrite.com or call 352-387-3050

He also currently serves as the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for Restore Hyper Wellness, the fastest-growing franchise in the United States. Formerly, he served as Chief Health Architect for Restore, where he led the Product and Health Sciences Department to establish the Performance Medicine arm of the business. In his work, Dr. Pardi has collaborated with high-performing organizations, from Silicon Valley VCs like the Mayfield Fund and Artis Ventures to companies like Adobe, Salesforce, Workday, Pandora, Intuitive Surgical, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, and many more. He also works with several branches of the US Military including the Special Forces and Naval Special Warfare. Dr. Pardi has a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from Leiden University in the Netherlands, and Stanford University in the United States, and he has a Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University in the United States. He currently lives in Austin Texas with his wife and two young boys.

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Across

1 Yielding no interest? 6 Fight stopper 10 Beginning on 14 Vonnegut literary device 15 Old-fashioned leaves? 16 Polynesian beverage 17 Comic-Con attendees 18 Happy 20 Self-declared republic in Ukraine 22 Breakfast on the go, perhaps 23 No real friend 24 Shop __ you drop 26 Lacked alternatives 27 Blue Jays, in crawls 29 Omega, to an electrician 32 Bass appendage 33 Residential cliché 37 How a close race may go 38 It gets last licks 39 “__ dreaming?” 40 Ad trailer? 41 Rival sch. of Duke 42 What closers often open, with “the” 45 Cool 47 Some fancy sheepskin boots 51 Make an impression on? 54 It helps a mouse communicate 56 Candy in a roll 58 Difficult high school sci. course 59 Subj. for Janet Yellen 60 Pixar clownfish 61 Latin lover’s declaration 62 Pointed missile 63 Fangorn Forest creatures 64 Barely avoided tying

Down

1 Many an Indian 2 Two-wafer snacks 3 Mezzo Marilyn 4 Sneaky currents 5 Computer game title island 6 Base shade? 7 Afflict 8 It acquired SeatMe in 2013 9 Bone on a menu 10 Husky relative 11 Piece of silver 12 Extended work period 13 Bit of deceit 19 Letters on a dashboard 21 Period of time 25 Like landlines, nowadays 28 Official hotel of the PGA Tour 30 Sneaky snickers 31 Informal get-togethers 33 Anticipating 34 With no assistance 35 __ bed 36 Slightly malfunctioned 37 Caribbean island country 38 Like some office walls 43 16th-century council setting 44 Attacks, with “at” 46 Mark replacements 48 Evacuee’s emergency kit 49 Tide target 50 Got off one’s rocker? 52 Windmill part 53 Tied up 55 Lessen in intensity 57 Home delivery asst., perhaps

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

derby day MAY 5-6

Derby Day Jackpot Cattle Show

Florida Horse Park, 11851 SW 16th Ave., Ocala All day The finest heifers and bulls from all over the U.S. will be shown in a variety of classes. Onsite food options available. See flhorsepark.com for more info.

MAY 5-7

Derby Days Barrel Race Show

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala Friday/Saturday 8am-7pm; Sunday 9am-last race Multiple races with great prizes and exciting action. Saturday afternoon will have a break to watch the Kentucky Derby. For more info, see gobarrelrace.com/derbydays

MAY 6

Kentucky Derby Hat Party

Kentucky Derby Viewing Party

sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Booth types vary, with occasional meat vendors, food trucks and other goods. Saturdays, weather permitting.

require tickets; the festival is free to attend. See worldequestriancenter.com/events for more info.

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Equestrian Hotel, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 5pm-7:30pm The party takes place on the terrace at the Equestrian Hotel and includes food stations, an open bar, dessert and a bottle of bourbon, plus a Jumbotron view of the race. Tickets start at $395 per couple; visit showclix.com.

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Grand Arena, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 5-7:30pm This free viewing party takes place in the Grand Arena and offers food options from restaurants plus pop-up food court servings. Cocktails available at cash bars. Free attendance and parking. See worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

community MAY 5

Healthy Harts Fit Camp

Transitions Life Center, 3360 NW Gainesville Road Ocala 5:45pm An hour of fun and fitness, this Cinco de Mayo celebration is open to all ages and abilities. Donations to TLC, which offers support, education and services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are welcomed. For more info, tlcocala.org

MAY 5

First Friday Art Walk

Ocala Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm-9pm The last Art Walk of the season features artists, entertainers and crafters. Food and drink are available from restaurants and vendors. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.org

MAY 5

Tea in the Fort

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala 4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm Learn about pioneer life in Florida during the Seminole Wars, stroll the walking paths and have High Tea with finger foods and treats. $10 per person; registration in advance required through ocalafl.org/recpark

MAY 5

Senior Learners Summer Kickoff Party

College of Central Florida, Bldg. 20, Room 107, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 1:30pm-3:30pm Chance to meet instructors and find out about upcoming classes in subjects such as history, art, health, travel, music and more. For more info, seniorlearners.org or call (352) 239-8780.

MAY 5 & 12

Levitt Amp Music Series

Webb Field at Martin Luther King Recreation Complex, 1510 NW 4th St, Ocala 7-9pm This series of free weekly concerts is sponsored by the city of Ocala and Marion Cultural Alliance and includes a variety of musical genres. On May 5, check out The Harlem Gospel Travelers with openers The Rooms Living. On May 12, it’s Shayna Steele with openers Cat Ridgeway. Bring chairs or blankets. Vendors onsite. For more info, ocalafl.org/levittamp

MAY 5 & 12

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Governmental Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more; recurs every Friday.

MAY 6

Twilight Cruisers of Belleview Car Show

Kent Furniture Centers, 10651 SE US 441, Belleview 5pm This free car show/cruise-in promotes the “classic autos of yesterday” and accepts food donations for Interfaith Emergency Services. Recurs the first Saturday of each month. See twilightcruisersflorida.com for info.

MAY 6

Salsa Night at the Square

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm This free night of dance celebrates Latin culture and features local teachers, DJ Ocho and food trucks. Musical styles will include salsa, bachata, merengue and reggaeton.

MAY 11

OTOW Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Large selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

MAY 11, 18 & 25

Free Parenting Workshops

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave, Ocala 6pm These workshops from the Early Learning Coalition will focus on early childhood development. Resources provided, along with childcare and dinner; those who attend all workshops receive a $250 gift card. Space is limited; register at bit.ly/42jvvZg

MAY 12

Prom with Mom

MAY 6-7

Cedar Lake Woods and Gardens, 4990 NE 180th Ave., Williston Saturday, 9:30am-5pm; Sunday 9:30am-4pm Dozens of plant vendors, food trucks and live music throughout the day. The $10 admission includes a self-guided tour of this botanical paradise. For more info, cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Ocala 6pm-10pm With a DJ playing a variety of music, games and prizes, bounce houses, arts and crafts, photos, and hors d’oeuvres, this will be an evening to remember. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the center, by calling (352) 438-2810, or at bit.ly/40TTEoh

MAY 6 & 13

MAY 12-13

Garden Show and Spring Festival

Ocala Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, and arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more info.

MAY 6 & 13

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala 9am-2pm A true farmers market where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and

MAY 13 (RESCHEDULED)

Legends of the Fort

Friends of the Forest Public Library Book Sale

Forest Public Library, 905 S Highway 314A, Ocklawaha Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday 10am-3pm Hundreds of hardback and paperback books on sale to benefit library programs and educational endeavors. Free to attend; books priced from $0.50.

MAY 13

Spring Festival and 5K Run/Walk

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-4pm Activities include a farmer’s market, live music, games, a kids’ zone and more. The 5K and breakfast

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala 6pm-10pm Rescheduled from April 29, the city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is offering a unique guided lantern tour of the park with tales from the past and information on this Seminole War site. Food, games and historical reenactors; tours leave every 15 minutes. Tickets are $10 (free 5 and younger) and must be purchased in advance at bit.ly/41pWGC0. Previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new event date. Guests unable to attend on the rescheduled date may request a refund by calling (352) 368-5533.

MAY 13

Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) Spring Home Tour

Various homes and gardens, downtown 10am-4pm In addition to the annual tradition of a spring home tour, HOPS is offering ticketed workshops on floral arranging, candle-making and how to create a charcuterie board. Workshops will be at the Bryant House, alongside local vendors offering floral arrangements, gift items and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at select locations. Tickets are $25 and available from Your Heart’s Desire Gift Shop or see bit.ly/3UlerzG

MAY 13

Master Gardeners Plant Sale

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala 8am-12pm The annual spring plant sale offers plants, food and drink options and educational presentations. Bring your own wagon. No pets. For more info, call (352) 671-8400.

THROUGH MAY 17

DOH Diabetes Education Program Belleview Community Center, 5615 SE 110th Place, Belleview 5pm-7pm The Department of Health is offering free weekly classes to help people learn about and handle diabetes with topics like balanced diets, meal planning, physical activity, prevention and more. Free clinical screenings. RSVP by contacting Melissa Marino at (352) 644-2624 or melissa.marino@FLHealth.gov

government MAY 8 & 15

MAY 9

Marion County Development Review Committee

City of Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

MAY 8

City of Dunnellon City Council Meeting

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala 9am The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans, and subdivision plans. Meets weekly on Mondays; agendas are usually posted the Friday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

City of Ocala Planning & Zoning Meeting

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 5:30pm Meets the second Monday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

civic MAY 5 & 12

Chess Club at Freedom Library

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm Meets weekly on Fridays; new members welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more info, call Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm Meets the second Tuesday of the month; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

MAY 10

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 5:30pm Normally meets the second Wednesday of the month; Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video available at Dunnellon.org/89/ Agendas-Minutes

MAY 5 & 12

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Knights of Columbus Building at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1510 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala 12pm Meets weekly on Fridays. Supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More info at ocalakiwanis.org

MAY 16

Belleview City Commission Meeting City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm Meets the first and third Tuesdays; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/AgendasMinutes

THROUGH JUNE 2

City of Ocala Parking Garage 296 Broadway St., Ocala The garage will have partial closures for maintenance, deep cleaning and restriping.

MAY 10

VFW Wednesday Dinners

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala 4:30pm-6:30pm The post offers weekly dinners for about $5-$7 with a variable menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

MAY 11

Ocala Lions Club

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12pm Meets weekly on Thursdays; newcomers welcome. The club supports vision health and diabetes prevention. More info at e-clubhouse.org/sites/ocalafl

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

arts MAY 6

Magnolia Art Xchange Art Heist

Magnolia Art Xchange, 531 NE 1st Ave., Ocala 6pm-9pm This annual fundraiser supports the MAX mission of creating a resource hub for artists, educators and art lovers. Guests can purchase tickets in a prize drawing and those with a winning ticket can select from original artwork by talented local artists. If someone chooses the piece you had your eye on, it can be “stolen” for a price. Admission to the event is free; playing in the art heist game is ticketed. For more info, facebook.com/maxocala.

MAY 6

Free First Saturday

Appleton Museum, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm View museum works, regular and special collections, and create art in the museum’s interactive Artspace. Dr. Jose Gaudier presents “Medicine in Art” and focuses on medical history as depicted in some of the greatest works of art, including in the Appleton collection. See appletonmuseum.org for more info.

for veterans are hosted by the Arts in Health Ocala Metro group and veteran Aaron Thomas. Beginners welcome; various skills and techniques will be taught. Supplies are included. Register at ocalafl.org/recpark

MAY 12

Writing on the Rainbow Author Event

Rainbow Springs Art Dunnellon Gallery, 20804 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 7pm Join local Rainbow River area authors Mary Lu Scholl, Betty Jean Steinshouer and Amy Peters Wood. Hosted by Margo Wilson. Reservations recommended; suggested donation is $5. For more info, see rainbowspringsart.com

MAY 13

An Evening with Macey Mac

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale 7pm The Southern songstress brings her mix of blues, rock and gospel. Tickets are $25-$50 from obopry.com

MAY 13

MAY 6 & 7

Kingdom of the Sun Spring Concerts Marion Technical Institute Auditorium, 1614 E. Forth King St., Ocala 2pm Saturday; 3pm Sunday This volunteer concert band performs in a variety of musical genres from classical, pop, show tunes and patriotic tributes. Concerts are free and open to the public; donations accepted. For more info, kingdomofthesunband.org

Ocala TayTay Party

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 9pm DJ, raffles of Taylor Swift merchandise and signed goodies. This is not a seated event. For ages 18 and older. $20 in advance, $30 day of show. See reillyartscenter.com

MAY 14

Marion Civic Chorale Concert

MAY 10-AUGUST 30

Painting for Veterans

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 6pm-8pm These free art workshops on Wednesdays

St. George Anglican Cathedral, 5646 SE 28th St., Ocala 3pm Admission is free for this concert titled “Some Enchanted Evening: Music from the Stage & Screen.” Donations are welcome to help fund the Grat L. Rosazza music scholarship. For more info, marionchorale.org

critters & equine VARIOUS DATES

MAY 5-7

Neuter Commuter

Locations vary, see website 9am Marion County Animal Services offers weekly neutering services with options for low-income households. The fees include the animal’s surgical sterilization, rabies vaccination, county license and microchip. Pet drop-off is 9am and pick-ups start at 3:30. Locations vary and include the Headquarters Main Library, Silver Springs Shores Community Center and Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. To register, go to, bit.ly/NeuterCommuter

Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse Show

World Equestrian Center, Arenas 1, 4 & 5, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-9pm; tours 11am & 2pm Friday-Sunday The Region 12 Arabian Horse Association will hold its championship show and, on May 5-7, Tail Tours will offer guided tours at 11am and 2pm through the barns to see this breed up close. Food and drink options onsite; some parking fees may apply. More info at worldequestriancenter.com

MAY 14

FAFO’s Symphony Under the Stars

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 3pm gates open; concert at 7pm This Mother’s Day tradition continues with Fine Arts For Ocala’s annual concert by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $20; free ages 17 and younger. Gates open at 3pm with a DJ; opening act Left on Broadway takes the stage at 5pm. The concert begins at 7pm and fireworks are planned for about 8:45pm, weather permitting. Bring food and drinks or purchase from vendors. No tents, grills or pets. For more info and to buy tickets, fafo.org

THROUGH MAY 21

Big & Bold

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tues-Sat; 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm The museum goes big with large pieces of art in this collection, including historical, modern and contemporary art pieces. Works include a 10’ x 4’ painting by Valenkamph and Snyder’s “Florida Pink Ignition,” which is almost 7’ x 7’. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for youths. For more info, appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH MAY 25

Revolutionized Textile & Fiber

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala Daily when center is open Artist Ingrid Humphrey, a native Floridian, displays her handmade dolls and tapestries, which portray the sisterhood of women of color all over the world. Free to the public. For more info, ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

Kravig-McGuire is a local artist with a special interest in showing the connection between nature and spirituality in her works. Her medium of choice is printmaking. Visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

THROUGH JUNE 17

“Secrets” Art Show Opening

South State Bank, 1632 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Daily during business hours Abstract artist Kayla Moffatt takes over the second floor community gallery space of the bank. Moffatt’s technique includes writing a secret on the canvas before painting then using color and marking to connect with viewers. Her paintings are large, colorful and evocative. The reception on April 7 is 5:30 pm and includes light refreshments. See kaylamoffattart.com for more info.

THROUGH JUNE 18

Paper Thin & Shadow Deep

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tues-Sat; 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm The artworks from Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun are three-dimensional cut paper pieces that feel both lighthearted and alive. Moneyhun’s style combines traditional Japanese art forms along with modern elements from today’s Japan. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for youths. For more info, appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH JUNE 20

Aerial Dream Views of Land and Sea

City of Ocala Clerk’s Office, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Mon-Fri; 8am-5pm Part of the Art in City Spaces program, Courtney

Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours Part of the Art in City Spaces program, local artist Maggie Weakley shares her ocean-themed collection. Weakley’s series in her Water collection is comprised of multiple painting techniques, including acrylics, spray paints, glitter, Mica powder, plaster and more. Free to the public. Visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces and maggieweakley.com

MAY 6

MAY 6-7

THROUGH JUNE 9

Blessed Be the Birds

Brown’s Junk in the Trunk Sale & Dog Adoption Event

Brown’s Country Market, 13940 North US Highway 301, Oxford 8am-1pm Hundreds of booth sellers plus dogs from the Marion County Animal Services, ready for their furever homes. See animalservices.marionfl.org

Stride Dressage Show

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala All day Various levels of classes are slated, including traditional, driving and Western dressage. Visit flhorsepark.org for details.

music nightlife nig ghtlife MAY 5 & 12

MAY 6

Courtyard Jams

One Flight Up

MAY 5

MAY 6

MCA Courtyard 23 W Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

Beers & Bands Festival

Live Stream

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 12pm-7pm Cam Wheaton Band, Houston Keen Band and Cliff Dorsey

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

MAY 5

Cinco de Mayo party w/DJ Elijah Preuss Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6pm

Ecliff Farrar

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6pm

MAY 5

Big Bad Duo

MAY 7

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6pm

Doug Adams

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm

MAY 10

MAY 12

Aubrey Wollett

Sandra & Alex Lekid

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6pm

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6pm

MAY 11

Sandra & Alex Lekid

Noah Hunton

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6pm

MAY 12

Grass Campers

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6pm

MAY 12

Second Slice

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

MAY 13

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6pm

MAY 13

Jack Knife

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

MAY 13

Justine Lee Partin

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6pm

MAY 14

Doug Adams

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Hello, Ocala!

Retired Salvation Army Majors Carrie and Forrest McIntyre remain very active with the branch in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Meet your neighbors: Retired Salvation Army Majors Forrest and Carrie McIntyre By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

etired Salvation Army Majors Forrest and Carrie McIntyre were both involved in the Salvation Army from an early age. Forrest was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, one of eight children. Carrie was born in Biddeford, Maine, one of three children. Forrest said he attended the Salvation Army Church since he was about 2 years old. When he was 14, he was a member of

the church’s youth council and at a weekend event, he “gave his heart to the Lord.” Forrest left high school to join the Navy and earned his GED during the time he spent in the service. During a leave, he traveled to Newburyport and his sisters told him there was a new officer at the Salvation Army who had two daughters he should meet. He met the sisters and began dating the older one. She decided she wanted to go to college, however, and moved to a different town. That is when Forrest began dating her younger sister, Carrie. They married one day before her

high school graduation so all the family members could attend the wedding while they were all gathered together. June 7 will mark their 54th anniversary. All this sounds easy, but it was a long road for Carrie to get from her birthplace in Maine to Massachusetts. And, during that time, Forrest was in the Navy in Florida. Carrie’s father was involved in the Salvation Army Church and became a “soldier,” or member, she explained, a month before she was born. He worked for the railroad, and the family moved several times during her childhood. They lived in Connecticut for only two weeks when the river behind their house overflowed and damaged the dwelling. The family moved to Rochester, New York, where her maternal grandmother lived. Her mother became ill and had to be institutionalized and an aunt, who was a Salvation Army Corps officer, or pastor, in Roxbury, took a leave and came to live with the family to help with the children. The Roxbury corps offered the aunt the position of lieutenant. Because she was a single woman, Carrie’s father moved the family to Roxbury to help her in the ministry, working at the church headquarters. During the time of her aunt’s care, when Carrie was 10 years old, she remembers she “was saved” at a church service. “God spoke to me and when I went to the altar, my feet didn’t touch the floor!” she said enthusiastically. Carrie’s aunt met and married a man from Mexico and moved to that country. Carrie’s father moved the family to Taunton, Massachusetts. He became an auxiliary captain, which was a lay person employed by the Salvation Army. Once again, the family moved, to Springfield, Massachusetts. Another promotion to auxiliary captain in charge moved them to Newburyport, Forrest’s hometown. The rest, as they say, is history. After 20 years of service, Forrest

retired from the Navy as a senior chief petty officer. He had felt called to become a Salvation Army officer. The corps trains husbands and wives to be officers together as a team, and so he and Carrie began their lives in the Salvation Army. They spent their first year in Orange Park, Florida as lieutenants. They have served in Ocala, Dallas, Oklahoma City; Virginia Beach, San Antonio, where they both were promoted to major, Jacksonville, and Baltimore, where they retired in 2011. The couple has three sons: Jonathan lives in Ocala with his wife, Wendy, and their four children. He is a produce manager at Publix. Son Timothy is a medical doctor and is married to Leslie. He is a professor of pre-med sciences at Santa Fe College in Gainesville. Benjamin lives in Ocala and works for Townely Manufacturing. When the couple moved from Ocala with the Salvation Army, they announced that they “would be back” when they retired because they loved the area, and their children are all in the area. The couple wanted to remain involved in and live near the Salvation Army Church when they retired. Forrest is still employed part time with the Salvation Army as volunteer coordinator, recruiting volunteers, doing public relations duties and other tasks as needed, and coordinates the Christmas program events. “My hobby is my work,” he said. “I love to work here.” Carrie volunteers in the area of statistics and other jobs as needed. She plays baritone horn in the Salvation Army Band. Both love spending time with their sons and grandchildren. “Ocala was a sleepy, peaceful town” when they first lived here, they shared. Carrie said she loves trees and nature and people, and the couple has enjoyed Silver Springs State Park. “I loved Ocala,’’ Forrest shared, “and I still do.”

Mobile outreach offers 35K pounds of food

econd Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Wings of Faith Fellowship in Ocala worked together on April 20 to give away approximately 35,000 pounds of food to those who needed it. Second Harvest has a network of more than 625 community feeding partners. The organization announced last December that it was expanding into Marion County by merging with First Step Food Bank, Inc., in Ocala. A news release from Second Harvest at the time stated that, “According to Feeding America, 47,350 people in Marion County experience food insecurity at some point during the year.” Second Harvest maintains a branch office at 4045 NE 36th Ave., Ocala, through which more than 40 local nonprofit food provider partners in the area receive food for their clients. Wings of Faith Fellowship has a number of outreach ministries, including a food pantry. On the morning of the 20th, a number of church volunteers worked hard unloading the Second Harvest truck and packaging food for the first mobile distribution locally since the Second Harvest expansion last fall.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

William Linaja of Second Harvest Food Bank, left, and Dottie Blackson of Wings of Faith Fellowship, right, pack up peppers for people during the Operation Compassion food giveaway at Wings of Faith Fellowship on Southeast 64th Avenue Road in Silver Springs Shores on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

To learn more, visit feedhopenow.org.

Honey Panugalinog of the Foxwood Publix helps pack up carrots for people.

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 Sudoku

Jumble

Crossword USHER DROOP BANTER EXCITE

Alan Breeden, left, and Christine Morton, right, both of Wings of Faith Fellowship, load food into the trunk of a car during the Operation Compassion food giveaway at Wings of Faith Fellowship on Southeast 64th Avenue Road in Silver Springs Shores on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Wings of Faith Fellowship gave away 35,000 pounds of food to people who need it most in the community.

Answers: They wanted to put George Foreman’s name on a grill, so they thought -OUTSIDE THE BOX

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Artist and UF instructor Chelsea Cantrell loves working in the elements and the element of surprise. Chelsea Cantrell is an educator, illustrator, animator, photographer and printmaker whose works blend elements and themes, and bridge art with science, history and technology. [Supplied]

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

helsea Cantrell’s imagination has transported her into cartoon universes, but recently she has created abstract works with the help of the sun—to both manipulate and surrender control of her abstract prints. The accomplished artist’s creative process started by working with cyanotype, what she calls the original blueprint. Widely used in photography in the 1800s, cyanotype yields “fun and surprising results depending on the conditions you give it,” she said. For “Solis: Works on Paper,” Cantrell’s solo exhibition of new works at 8th Ave. Gallery, the 31-year-old multimedia/mixed media artist let the whims of nature have their way with her works, combined with just a few substances such as sodium carbonate and vinegar, plus cyanotype and water (sparingly) to affect the outcome of her pieces. “There’s no paint, no watercolor,” she said. “Maybe, there’s a brushstroke here or there, and some of the pieces have a paste medium to create a texture on the paper. So, that’s it. And that was also what really thrilled me about this process was just the range of color that you can control just by understanding chemistry and creating these looks that look like oil paint, that looked like watercolor, but you’re not using a brush at all. You’re just letting it naturally expose.” A lecturer and animator with the University of Florida’s (UF) Digital Worlds Institute, Cantrell specializes in character animation and digital illustration. Originally from Melbourne, Florida she joined the production team UF in November 2015 as a motion graphics animator. Her mother, Karin Cantrell, is an artist and runs an embroidery company. Her services include graphic design and the embroidery of uniforms, hats, T-shirts and polos. “They’ll bring her the concepts at times, and she’ll help them develop a logo that translates really well through thread,” Cantrell said, “and when she goes home, she knits.” Born in Germany, Karin imparted a strong work ethic, and both Cantrell’s mom and American dad are do-it-yourselfers—positive influences who motivated young Chelsea to work on her art and earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation and a Master of Fine Arts in illustration, both from the Savannah College of Art and Design. The multitalented artist and instructor now lives in Gainesville with her partner, Aaron Karlson, also an artist, who helped frame her works. Along with teaching six courses at UF this semester, Cantrell freelances as an art director for print publications and for illustrated and animated projects. Her cartoon characters have appeared on “Rooster Teeth” and Netflix. She also hosts and organizes workshop sessions to give her students an

opportunity to work with industry professionals and learn industry tips. Cantrell’s recent work in “Solis” offered no end of surprises, she said. “I felt like I was controlling the chemicals that I was using, but every single one was controlling me, essentially,” she explained. In her large print, “Solar Flare,” a “big blue strike through the middle” emerged in the shape of a flame. “That piece constantly surprised me, constantly shocked me,” Cantrell said. “It did not turn out at all how I planned.” Indeed, a certain vulnerability comes with such risk-taking while on deadline. “The biggest takeaway that I have while making a career from art is that you’re not going to please everyone,” she said. “You’re not gonna make everybody love the work that you do, but you can connect with everyone through process. Because no matter what someone creates, there’s a process to it.” The exhibition project started serendipitously, too, when 8th Ave. Gallery owner Seth Benzel suggested Cantrell’s approach to the works in “Solis.” An avid gardener, she showed him sun-exposed cyanotypes of pressed leaves. His response was not what she expected. “It’s really funny, the interaction I had with him,” Cantrell recounted. “Seth didn’t even look at any of the plants. He just looked at this one little corner that had a wine stain on it because I washed it with a bleaching agent, and toned it with some natural tones, like wine and tea. He said, ‘Hey, why don’t you just do a bunch of those?’ I was like, ‘Okay.’” So, for the entire time between January and the exhibition opening day, Cantrell experimented with solar exposure, baking soda, vinegar and other substances. “Every single piece in the exhibition is an experiment of light movement, chemical reactions, and just me trying to push those agitations as far as they can go,” she said. They’re not all developed the same; they’re all individuals in their own right.” Some pieces were a rebirth, such as the two pieces titled “Phoenix 1” and “Phoenix 2.” “It’s a two-parter,” she explained. “They don’t line up. They’re not the same size, and they don’t even look alike, but I named them together because they were cut from the same sheet of paper that was a failed print. … So, I rewashed it and I re-exposed it, and what came from the rewash and the re-exposure was just absolutely beautiful. One of them ended up looking like a bird and the other had the shape of a bird with wings outstretched. So, I was like, okay, rising from the ashes of something that failed. Here, you’re going to become perfect.” Chelsea Cantrell’s “Solis” is on view through May 21 at 8th Ave. Gallery, 1531 NE 8th Ave., Ocala. To learn more, go to 8thavegallery.com and chelsearaestudio.com.

“Solis”

One of Cantrell’s Phoenix pair that emerged as a result of a failed large format print; rewashed with sodium carbonate to develop a reprint. The sanded paper texture mixed with the pre-moistened surface developed a flame appearance, resulting in the name; 21”x24”

“Solar Flare”

48”x57”; the result of two exposures over a 24hour period. With four layers of process between sodium carbonate, plaster paste and dry-applied cyanotype, the shape of the flare developed.

“Symbiosis (Mutualism)”

48”x55”; came about from a mutualistic relationship on paper, using cyanotype agitated by a specific focus to highlight the texture underneath. This 50/50 balance resulted in intriguing patterns.

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MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Knights outslug Celtics in softball Vanguard beats Trinity Catholic in regular season finale Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Left: Vanguard’s catcher Lilly Land (3) tags out Trinity Catholic’s Kinley Libby (18) at the plate during a softball game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

By Mark Pinson Special to The Ocala Gazette

anguard’s Victoria Graham belted a solo home run and had two RBI, and Hannah Davis knocked in three runs to lead the Knights to a 12-8 come-frombehind victory over Trinity Catholic on April 29 in the regular season finale for both teams. Vanguard, which improved to 16-6 on the season, overcame a four-run deficit with a combination of bunting, stealing bases, key extrabase hits and solid relief pitching. “I’m proud of this team because they don’t quit and fight to the end,” said Knights coach Carrie Vance. “Victoria and Hannah did a good job of putting the ball in play and making something happen.” The loss dropped Trinity Catholic, which committed five costly errors, to 10-14 overall. “We made some errors with two outs and that’s what hurt us,” said Celtics assistant coach Todd Duffy. Trinity Catholic took the early

lead with a four-run outburst in the first inning as Kinley Libby drilled a two-run double to score Kristina Fogelman and Emma Kaylor. An infield error by Vanguard allowed another run to cross the plate and a single by Anjali Vassou plated Emma Simms to give the Celtics a 4-0 lead. Vanguard got on the scoreboard in the top of the second inning when Graham blasted a solo home run high over the left-field fence to pull the Knights within 4-1. Trinity Catholic added to its lead in the bottom of the second inning when Kaylor singled, stole second base and raced home on a single to right field by Libby off Vanguard starter Davis to make it 5-1. Celtics right-hander Liliana Ornelas retired the first two Vanguard batters in the top of the third inning, but things began to unravel as the Trinity Catholic defense committed two outfield errors and one infield miscue. A walk and a wild pitch allowed another run to score to tie the game at 5. Libby clubbed a solo home run

Vanguard’s Kaylee Myers (6) looks for the out as Trinity Catholic’s Emma Kaylor (7) slides safely into second base.

over the left-center field fence off reliever Kaylee Myers in the bottom of the fourth inning to give the Celtics a 6-5 lead. Vanguard answered in the top of the fifth inning by scoring four runs, with Davis’ two-run single the key hit of the frame. Another hit and an error allowed two more runs to score to give the Knights’ a 9-6 lead. Trinity Catholic, which had nine hits, kept battling and took advantage of three walks and an error to plate a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning to pull closer at 9-8. Vanguard, which banged out nine hits, scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning off reliever Libby to take a 12-8 lead. The Knights moved Davis back to pitcher in relief of Myers. The hard-throwing sophomore righthander kept Trinity Catholic off the scoreboard the final two innings to seal the win and earn the save. Coach Vance dedicated the victory to Allen Sapp, a good friend who recently passed away.

Trinity Catholic’s Anjali Vassou (5) looks for the double play after sending Vanguard’s Alivia Vance (7) out at second base.

SCOREBOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SPORTS RESULTS APR. 24 - 29

Vanguard’s Lia Vanrijk (42) can’t handle the throw as Trinity Catholic’s Kinley Libby (18) makes it safely to second base during a softball game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Thursday, April 27, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

SOFTBALL SCORES

Results were compiled by Allen Barney

April 27

April 25

Vanguard Trinity Catholic

12 8

BASEBALL SCORES April 24

North Marion Trinity Catholic

0 15

Columbia West Port

1 7

Lake Weir Citrus

2 3

Eastside North Marion

2 14

Dunnellon Crystal River

0 11

Dunnellon Williston

1 11

April 28

April 26

Trinity Catholic Williston

8 3

April 25

Crescent City Lake Weir

6 4

DeLand West Port

11 1

Countryside Christian Redeemer Christian

0 11

North Marion Keystone Heights

3 5

April 26

Lake Weir Forest

0 5

Lake Weir The Villages Charter

2 11

Trinity Catholic South Sumter

7 4

Vanguard Palatka

4 2

Belleview Nature Coast Tech

5 6

Bronson Dunnellon

1 15

Dunnellon Crystal River

15 0

Dunnellon Hernando

6 10

Vanguard’s Victoria Graham (23) celebrates her home run on Trinity Catholic during a softball game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Thursday, April 27, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

April 27

April 28

Belleview North Marion

1 11

Trinity Catholic Union County

0 10

Parsons Christian Academy Redeemer Christian

1 16

Williston Dunnellon

2 11

Bradford Belleview

6 7

April 29 Aucilla Christian Redeemer Christian

1 2

B10

MAY 5 - MAY 11, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE